Key Facts
• July 3, 2025: Mock election begins at Mie Prefectural Tsu High School.
• July 10, 2025: Voting deadline for selecting manga for the school library.
• 11 manga titles, including Chihayafuru and Golden Kamuy, are candidates.
• Approximately 1,000 students and staff eligible to vote.
• Voting process includes receiving a ballot, writing a title, and submitting it.
• August 25, 2025: Results to be announced; the most-voted manga will be purchased.
• 2024: Highest voter turnout was 87 participants, under 10% of eligible voters.
• July 9, 2025: Only 46 votes cast so far, less than 5% turnout.
• Mock election aims to encourage future participation in real elections.
• Organized annually since 2022 by the school librarian.
Summary
Mie Prefectural Tsu High School is addressing low voter engagement through an annual mock election where students and staff vote on manga titles for the school library. This year, 11 completed manga series, including Chihayafuru and Golden Kamuy, are competing. The election, running from July 3 to July 10, 2025, involves approximately 1,000 eligible voters. Despite efforts, voter turnout remains low, with only 46 votes cast by July 9, representing less than 5% participation. The results will be announced on August 25, with the winning manga added to the library collection. Organizers hope this initiative fosters interest in civic participation, encouraging students to vote in real elections once eligible.
