Our Nation's Youngest Voters by Karissa

Election 2008.  It is finally here and my time spent at the polls was well worth it.  Fortunately, my schedule allowed me to get in my vote at a time when it was not busy.  However, I wish I had more reason to stick around.  The energy at my precinct was contagious!  There were families who had recently become citizens, exercising their rights for the very first time.  There were friendly election judges ready and willing to answer questions and support voters.  But the greatest source of energy was coming from the families that came, as a family unit, to vote together. 

 

In MN, and in many states nationwide, children are encouraged to vote along with their parents through a program called Kids Voting.  Although this is primarily a K-12 initiative done through the school systems, my precinct had a special area just for kids. My favorite young voter was a red head, carrying an American flag, who eagerly stated, “I’m voting for ‘THAT BAMA MAN’.”

 

What an inspiring, hands-on experience.  They say people, especially young children, learn best by “doing.”  This opportunity allows parents to set an example for their child and really have some meaningful dialog about our duty as citizens of our country. 

 

In my class today we voted on how to greet our friends.  We have been talking about voting for a few weeks and finally are getting to a point where my students understand you have to make one choice.  We vote by putting our nametag in a basket, a sticker on a chart, and have progressed to raising our hands.  Although the outcomes are maybe less important, they are hearing the language, practicing in hands-on ways and becoming individuals who can think for themselves.