Voter turnout among young adults was over 50 percent when 18-year-olds first received the right to vote in 1972. Since then, the numbers of young adults exercising their right to vote has steadily declined. That is why it is important to teach kids--even young ones--about our election process. Here are tips for getting your kids involved.
1. Teach Kids About Issues, Platforms, Parties, and More
Even a 2-year-old can start to learn about the party symbols of an elephant and donkey. Or learn party names as well as the names of the major candidates. Parents, care providers and teachers can help to start the political learning process by teaching basic facts--although providers and educators will need to be sure to remain neutral on any issue or preference.
2. Read Newspapers, Magazines, and Watch News Reports Together
A toddler can look at pictures of candidates, but older kids might actually be interested in news articles or television reports concerning elections, the electoral process, debates, and causes/platforms. Include conversations about current events as age appropriate with dinner conversations with your kids, and let them start grasping issues. Even kid magazines and kid sections often feature kid-friendly articles on the subject.
Teachers and care providers can facilitate a mock election to teach the process. For example, 4-to-5-year olds can participate in a pretend election on fun topics, such as which is better: peanut butter or jelly. Older students can cast ballots on such issues as the Presidential Election, Mayoral race, or even School Board trustees. Nickelodeon is featuring a voting opportunity: "Nickelodeon Kids Pick The President."
So what if they aren't old enough to read or to vote? Set the example by being a regular voter and bringing your kids with you when you cast your ballot. Why? A survey by the National Association of Secretaries of State found that the single strongest predictor of voters in the 18-to-25 age group was having parents who were regular voters. So, lead by example!
5. Check Out Kid-Friendly Political Web Sites
Older kids can benefit from some political web sites aimed at their level. Here are a few: www.letterstoprez.org provides a form for kids to write an e-letter to the President. Or, try Ben's guide to U.S. Government for Kids: http://bensguide.gpo.gov. This site is divided by k-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, and parents and teachers.
6. Expand Your Kids' World
Kids need to know that the world doesn't revolve around their block, neighborhood or even community. If possible, travel with them and let them experience different cultures, religions, living environments, and economic conditions. The exposure will help to foster independent thinking and encourage issue awareness.
7. Capitalize On your Child's Interests
Getting involved with "save the whales" or being involved with trying to keep an old tree from being cut down in the name of progres is a way to capture a child's interest in politics. Kids might care about a school district's calendar or how many parks are planned for their city. Find what interests them and then let them study and follow the issue. Consider taking them to a meeting, and if it's appropriate, let them speak up!
8. Let Your Kids Watch/Read Election Returns
Don't forget to involve your kids in the end results as well as the campaign issues. Consider letting them watch the news providing election night results, reading them in the newspaper the next day, or at least discussing them in person. Explain by what percentage candidates won or lost and what the analysts believe were the reasons. Then, ask them what they think about the outcome and why the election turned out the way it did.
