Pennsylvania’s primary isn’t until April 28, but students at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg will have the chance to cast a ballot next week during a mock primary on Super Tuesday.
The mock primary has been a campus tradition since the 2008 presidential election. It’s hosted by the Pitt-Greensburg Democrats and Pi Sigma Alpha, the Pitt Greensburg chapter of the National Political Honor Society.
In 2008, Pitt-Greensburg students nominated Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain, accurately predicting the results of the real-life primary. In 2012 they got it right again, nominating Republican Mitt Romney.
They broke their streak in 2016. Students nominated Democrat Bernie Sanders, who in real life was defeated by Hilary Clinton, and Republican Marco Rubio, who lost his nomination bid to Donald Trump.
The mock primary coincides with Super Tuesday, the day when residents of 14 states vote for their parties’ nominees.
“Since Pennsylvania’s primary is not until April 28, this is an opportunity for students at Pitt-Greensburg to demonstrate their preferences among the candidates and to learn about the primary process,” said associate professor of political science Paul Adams.
Students who participate also get information on voter registration, absentee voting and other topics of interest to college-age voters.
Pi Sigma Alpha helped more than 600 students register to vote, change their registered address, or learn how to vote via absentee ballot since 2008, Adams said.
