November is just around the corner and once again we have the opportunity to exercise our right to participate in the democratic process. As parents, it is important for us to share the importance of voting with our children. According to Kids Voting USA, a nonprofit, nonpartisan, educational group, “Parents who talk with their kids about community service, social issues and show they care for their community by voting in elections raise children with higher levels of political knowledge and engagement.” Whether your children are years away from casting their first vote or are planning to enter the polls for the first time, there are a number of ways that you can support them in the process.
For younger children, you can hold an “election” for what to have for dinner or dessert, what game to play, which movie to watch or where to go on the next family outing. Votes can be cast by using shoeboxes or canisters as ballot boxes. Label each container with a picture of the “choice” and distribute one ballot to each family member to cast his or her vote. The ballots can be tickets, coins, buttons, or small squares of paper. End the “campaign” by celebrating with a great children’s book like Duck for President by Doreen Cronin or The Day Gogo Went to Vote by Elinor Batezat Sisulu.
Tweens and teens can, and should, be involved in local and national politics right along with you. Before Election Day, spend time analyzing campaign ads on YouTube. You can talk with your child about the ad’s message and whether or not it is based on fact or opinion or if it’s even fair to the candidate. If possible, take him to hear the candidates speak. You can put up campaign signs together throughout the neighborhood. Over dinner, share your own memories about previous elections or ask his opinion about candidate platforms or current issues.
When Election Day rolls around your young activist will be ready to join you at the polls. If he has a chance to see the booth, it will be less intimidating to him when the time comes for him to cast his first vote. After casting your vote, talk with your child about the importance of voting and participating in the democratic process. Be sure to watch the returns and celebrate together.
If you have a First-Time Voter at home, help her prepare for the upcoming election. Be sure that she is registered in time to vote. State guidelines and registration forms can be found at declareyourself.com. If your child is away at college, she can cast an absentee ballot or register to vote there. Be open-minded and non-judgmental in discussions with your child about the issues. It’s not uncommon for young voters to have political opinions that differ from their parents.
On Election Day, send her an encouraging email or text, especially if she is anxious about voting for the first time. If she’s living at home, go to the polls as a family. If not, encourage her to go with friends. It is more likely she will vote if she has a support system. Be sure to celebrate with breakfast, lunch or a congratulatory card to acknowledge this important milestone.