Tuesday, Nov. 2, was a special Learning Outside the Classroom day at University School of the Lowcountry. Students conducted exit polling for several of the statewide and local races and one of the referendums (sales tax for Charleston County School District). They canvassed 14 polling sites in Charleston County, representing 37 precincts in Mount Pleasant, Charleston, North Charleston, West Ashley, and James Island.

Each student went to two precincts, and each one was significantly different from the other (geographically, demographically or by historical voter trends). This allowed University School students to see a wide array of passionate voters across Charleston County. Approximately 700 exit polls were completed, and this enabled students to make informed predictions or commentary about each contest.

The survey results and predictions were posted at 7:15 p.m. on Election Night, and they were also sent to local media outlets. The following day, students explored the connections between their surveys and first-hand experiences with voters and the actual results.

The students prepared for this event for weeks. Joan Dehne from the League of Women Voters spoke to the entire school about the history of voting in America, and Jonathan Brown, 2010 candidate for mayor of James Island, also enlightened students with his presentation about his experience as a candidate.

Visit www.uslowcountry.org/exitpoll10.html with results and predictions.