CHAPTER 5

The class compared the list of candidates against the requirements. One by one, they crossed candidates off the list.

“What about this one?” asked Miss Greer, pointing to the Chrysler Building. “It’s not poisonous, and it’s not going to bite anyone.”

“It’s not named Geraldine!” said Ada.

“It fits all the requirements,” said Rosie.

“Then it’s in!” said Miss Greer, smiling at Iggy.

Iggy Peck smiled back.

“Okay,” said Miss Greer. “Let’s vote again.”

Miss Greer tallied the votes.

Turtle—5

Bird—6

Lizard—3

Fish—2

Chrysler Building—1

“There we have it,” said Miss Greer. “Turtle and Bird. Our two candidates.”

Sofia smiled. Things were going so well. She could imagine real presidential candidates having conversations just like this one. Only without skunks and giraffes. What if the class could make this choice even more like a real election?

“Miss Greer?” said Sofia. “I’ve been thinking. Can we do this just like a real presidential election? Can we have campaigns and everything?”

Miss Greer thought for a moment.

“That’s a good idea,” said Miss Greer. “And since it was your idea, Sofia, you should be the election commissioner.”

“What’s an election commissioner?” asked Iggy.

“The commissioner makes sure the election is fair and that everybody’s right to vote is protected,” said Miss Greer. “They make the ballots and run the election. It’s a difficult but very important job. The election commissioner promises to follow the rules and be fair.”

“I can do that,” said Sofia. “I promise.”

Miss Greer smiled. “Rosie will run the Bird campaign since it was her nominee,” she said. “And Ada will run the campaign for Turtle for the same reason.”

“What about everyone else?” asked someone in the back of the room.

Miss Greer paused for a moment.

“For all of you,” she said, “there remains the most important job of all. A job with the most responsibility of all. A job that requires your time and commitment and dedication.”

“Like a chore?” asked another student.

“No,” said Miss Greer. “Like an honor. You all have the job of getting informed and voting. It is serious and it is important, because it affects everyone.

“You are up to the job,” she said. “But I don’t think it is going to be easy. It’s going to be a lot of work from everyone. What do you think?”

The class cheered again.

For the rest of the day, Miss Greer’s class learned about elections and decided on rules. First, they decided that everyone in Miss Lila Greer’s class would be included in the process. They were automatically registered to vote.

They would have a campaign, with rallies, posters, and speeches! After the campaigns, they would vote, and Miss Lila Greer’s class at Blue River Creek Elementary would have the first democratically elected class pet in the history of the town.