An election with Grace in Lakewood Ranch

Students at Gullett Elementary hold their own election with book characters as candidates.

  • East County
  • News
  • Share

People at least 18 years old weren’t the only ones who were able to vote on Election Day.

B.D. Gullett Elementary School first graders had a say in their own election.

But rather than voting for President Donald Trump or President-elect Joe Biden, the first graders voted for characters from three books they had been reading: “Duck for President,” “Grace for President” and “My Teacher for President.”

They created posters for their favorite candidate.

On Nov. 3, the first graders went to the ballot booth and cast their vote.

The teacher from “My Teacher for President” won with 76 votes followed by Duck with 43 votes and Grace with 31 votes.

“We did this to tie in the election process with our reading skills,” said Jackie Stark, a first grade teacher.

First grader Capri Pella fills out her ballot. Courtesy photo.
First grader Capri Pella fills out her ballot. Courtesy photo.
First grader Stone Vishinsky shows off his
First grader Stone Vishinsky shows off his "I voted" necklace. Courtesy photo.
First grader Landon Lopez casts his ballot for president. Courtesy photo.
First grader Landon Lopez casts his ballot for president. Courtesy photo.
First grader Lexi Truxton is proud to show her
First grader Lexi Truxton is proud to show her "I voted" necklace after voting for president. Courtesy photo.
Students made posters for the presidential candidate they were supporting. Courtesy photo.
Students made posters for the presidential candidate they were supporting. Courtesy photo.
First grader Liam Odendal shares what he would do if he were president. Courtesy photo.
First grader Liam Odendal shares what he would do if he were president. Courtesy photo.
First grader Sophie Nathans-Pavese creates a drawing to show support for Duck, a candidate for president. Courtesy photo.
First grader Sophie Nathans-Pavese creates a drawing to show support for Duck, a candidate for president. Courtesy photo.

 

Latest News

The Denny's property at 3701 Bee Ridge Road in Sarasota has sold.
  • August 9, 2026
'Good stuff' coming to site of Bee Ridge Denny's, developer says
Sarasota Tiger Bay Club Board Member Jon Thaxton asked Sarasota County commission candidates about their views Thursday before opening up the floor for a Q&A with members.
  • August 7, 2026
Sarasota County Commission candidates campaign as clock ticks down
Sarasota Police Marine Patrol Officer Ron Dixon reaches a hand across the bow of a beached sailboat during a marine rescue at Big Pass between Siesta Key and Lido Key Tuesday, July 28.
  • August 7, 2026
Officers rescue boater from beached sailboat
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport Fire Department Chief Jason Hackley and one of the agency's three trucks with onboard tanks that hold 400 gallons of firefighting foam.
  • August 7, 2026
SRQ airport gets out ahead of PFAS foam mandate

Sponsored Health Content

Sponsored Content