5 Ways to Teach Your Kids About Voting

Election Day: Ways to Teach Your Kids About the Importance of Voting

Election Day is quickly approaching and voting is an important part of American citizenship. Although elections and politics are considered by many to be adult-only issues, there is value in talking to your children about voting. It teaches children at a young age about democracy and being a good citizen.

There are plenty of kid-friendly ways to talk about voting and elections. Encourage your children to share their opinions and make their voices heard by exercising their right to vote!

Here are some ways to teach your kids the importance of voting and get the conversation going as Election Day approaches.

Psst… Check it out 10 Election Day Books for All Ages!

Set a good example

One of the best ways to show your children that voting is important is to exercise your right to vote yourself. Take them to your local polling station. If you vote by mail, bring it with you to drop off your ballot.

As you do that, talk to them about why you do what you do and why voting is important to you. Young children model their behavior on that of their parents, so if you set a good example for them, you can certainly encourage them to vote in the future!

Read stories about voting at home

In the run-up to election day, incorporate a number of books about voting and democracy into the time rotation of your story.

PBS has a list of picture books about voting and elections if you’re looking for a place to start. You can also take a trip to a local library and ask for recommendations. These stories can show the importance of voting in a way that is easier for children to understand.

Show them signs of an upcoming election

The signs that election season is coming are all around us: lawn signs, mailers, ballots and bumper stickers. Teach your children what these things are, and use them as a starting point to talk about what elections are happening this year.

Hold a family pageant at home

This is an opportunity for your children to vote for themselves and see firsthand that voting for a group of people is a way to make a decision. Hold a election about a family matter, such as what to eat for dinner or what movie to watch as a family.

Allow family members to have a respectful debate about the pros and cons of each option. This will also teach children how to express their different opinions in a kind and respectful way. Have everyone cast a secret ballot and then announce the winner!

Talk about what’s on the ballot

If you have older children, it can be helpful to talk about what you’ll be voting on this year to demonstrate what’s typically at stake in elections. This is especially important in years when there are no presidential elections. Elections are important, even if we don’t elect a president.

Talk to your children about a kid-friendly issue on the agenda this year.

Talk to your older children about what this means, why it was proposed, and why people might be for or against it. This will show children that elections are more than choosing a president and can get them thinking about their own thoughts on certain issues.