History demonstrates the importance of participating in the democratic process of voting. Teaching your kids to use their voice and exercise their constitutional rights is a vital lesson for kids of all ages. Kids should learn that they will have a voice in choosing both local and national leaders; voting is the most powerful opportunity American citizens have to impact our democracy. Not everyone in the world has this right – it’s an opportunity – and kids should understand that if they lived in other parts of the world, this right wouldn’t necessarily be available to them.
Here are 5 lessons kids should learn about voting.
- Learn about issues and the candidates. Rather than telling kids which candidate is best, teaching kids that learning about the issues, studying the candidates, is the best way to help them become informed and involved citizens. Simplify the issues and make them relatable, based on kids’ ages, but make sure that kids understand what is at stake when choosing elected officials. Talk about issues that impact your family, whether it be the price of gas or immigration. Talk about issues that impact your neighbors. And talk about issues that impact the world. And discuss – objectively if possible – each candidate’s perspective on these issues. Discuss the way in which they claim that they will solve problems and help to keep this country running as a democratic nation.
- Learn about the structure of the government and requirements for running for office. Do your kids know that every American citizen over 18 has the right to vote in elections ranging from local town boards to presidential elections? Do your kids know the requirements necessary to run for local, state, or federal offices, including minimum ages, American citizenship, and residency requirements? Teaching children basic structural facts, like that the President of the United States is elected every four years and that there are 435 members in the House of Representatives, will help them understand the structural significance of the United States government. Even explaining the differences between the popular vote and the electoral college will help kids feel a greater sense of involvement and investment in our democratic process.
- Point out signs of election season. On the bus to school or when driving in the car, kids might see signs or bumper stickers promoting different candidates or causes. Commercials for candidates play endlessly on television and the internet around election time. It’s important to point out these concrete examples of campaigning and how they are tied into the election. These signs and commercials can also be used to encourage kids to learn more about candidates and to teach them the importance of voting.
- Illustrate the concept of voting. Take your kids with you to vote. Show them the ballots. Explain the different parties on the ballot. Show them how you submit your ballots. These procedural elements are important for kids to see so that they recognize that you’re invested in the democratic process.
- Teach respectful disagreement. No matter what your opinion, teach kids to be kind and considerate of other perspectives. This important lesson can apply to other areas of growth, not simply political elections. It’s fine to disagree with people, but it’s important to listen to other people’s perspectives respectfully. It’s also important to evaluate other people’s perspectives rather than simply disagreeing with them. When it comes to politics, everyone has different views and priorities. Understanding other people’s views gives you a greater understanding of the full picture of everything that is at stake in an election. While kids should learn to point out why they disagree about an issue, learning to listen respectfully when they disagree with someone rather than attacking or aggressively arguing with them is a sign of maturity that demonstrates composure and empathy.
Understanding our governmental structures, the importance of free and fair elections, and the history behind the voting system is an essential history lesson for kids. GAMECHANGER Tutoring Connection connects families to history tutors who help kids learn to fully understand the past so that they can positively impact the future.
