Welcome to the Mayor of the Zoo Race!
A real election, with animal candidates
What if a bullfrog, fox, or bear could become mayor?
At the Lake Superior Zoo, they can! Mayor of the Zoo is a fun way for young visitors to learn how elections work. Children can meet the candidates, learn cool facts about their species, and cast a ballot.
The race follows the same two steps as many real elections:
- Primary: Choose the finalists.
- General election: Choose the winner!
Voting is free, and every animal candidate has a real fact to share.
Where can you vote?
You can vote either in-person at the Zoo in our voting booth, or online below:
Primary Election Results:
Why is this election important?
Because good community habits can start when you are young. And voting is one way people help make decisions together. When children have a friendly first experience with voting, they can discover that their voice matters.
Today’s zoo vote is practice. Someday, that habit may help them take part in decisions that affect their schools, neighborhoods, and communities.
Because voting is like riding a bike.
Most people do not become comfortable with something completely unfamiliar. They practice.
Voting is similar. A child who has already:
- learned how a ballot works,
- considered different choices,
- made a decision,
- and talked about that decision
has already taken a first step toward becoming an active community member.
One small vote can begin a big habit.
Meet your Candidates:
