University of Findlay Digital Media Club to Host Mock Election, ‘Rock the Mock’ on Oct. 27

University of Findlay students, faculty, and staff can weigh-in on the presidential race prior to Nov. 3 thanks to University of Findlay Digital Media Club’s “Rock the Mock” event on Tuesday, Oct. 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Participants can vote via email or in person at the Center for Student Life. Those who vote will be entered to win a free t-shirt.

Students in the University of Findlay Digital Media Club (UFDM) have worked to promote the event via social media campaigns. UFDM, formerly Findlay Media Network, is comprised of The Pulse, UFTV, WLFC, and PRSSA. “They have been testing their multimedia skills as well as campaign strategy,” said Amy Rogan, assistant professor of communication. “It’s [a] great practice event for journalism/digital media majors and public relations majors alike to use the various tools they will use in their future professions.”

The campus-wide mock election can provide a snapshot of how the UF campus community may vote on the official election day. The University’s first mock election, held in 2016 for the Trump vs. Clinton presidential race, predicted that Trump would win. “That doesn’t necessarily mean the mock election is a predictor of the outcome, but it also adds a fun element of whether UF can guess who will be the president of the United States for the next four years,” Rogan said.

Rogan explained the importance of the mock election goes beyond voter awareness, but also addresses students’ understanding of the issues and how to make those critical thinking decisions that lead to a more productive democracy. “College is an important time in a person’s development of their own identity,” she said. “I think that can be true in politics as well. Up to this point, students are probably most exposed to political issues and decisions through their parents and family. Exploring those topics and issues independently is a healthy way for them to develop their own political stance.”

Learn more about FDMC at Communication Program’s webpage.

Follow University of Findlay’s Instagram story on the day of the event to see journalism/digital media student Leah Alsept provide an inside look at the “Rock the Mock” event through a #UFindlayTakeover.