The Northwest Passage was the only student publication in the Shawnee Mission School District to publish a presidential election poll. 

In election years prior, Shawnee Mission schools conducted mock elections in classes all over the district for students as young as first graders. But, according to an email from Kristin Ridgway, the school district coordinator for English and social studies departments, this year no schools will “engage in any mock elections with real candidates,” even in social studies and government classes. 

Nevertheless, The Northwest Passage wanted to hear from students and collect data independently of the school district on their political opinions. 

Mock elections are generally seen as a positive way for students — who are of or are approaching voting age — to practice exercising their right to vote. They create a platform for students to learn about real-world politics and become informed voters. Although mock election results have no impact on real government election results, they allow young, upcoming voters to have their voice heard.

The Northwest Passage values student voices, and collected our own polling data. This was before the district issued its statement.  

This data is one-of-a-kind — no other official polls have been conducted with Shawnee Mission students.

In Kansas, student journalists are protected by the Kansas Student Publications Act, which makes newspapers such as The Northwest Passage free from censorship. As journalists, it is important that we strive to report only the truth, be accountable, ethical and act independently. The Passage decided to publish our polling data because we believe that it would be in the best interest of our community to do so. 

Though we live in an increasingly polarized world, preventing political discussions from happening will not reconcile differences. It’s through conversation that we find common ground and alter viewpoints. 

In this issue, we tried to speak to students on all ranges of the political spectrum and shine light on a diversity of beliefs. Highlighting student perspectives is essential to The Northwest Passage’s mission. We believe that students are the future, and they deserve to have their voices heard.