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Just Vote, For Kids Sake

September 12, 2008

I am so irritated by the apathy of those around me regarding the upcoming Presidential Election. I have several friends and neighbors who are not voting because their spouse is of the opposing party. I am tired of hearing “our votes count each other out so why bother”. Excuse me. Why bother? Um, maybe your children should be shown how our amazing country works, and that their parents participate in the process. But as my parents told me, “You may not like the candidates, or the choices; but you have to participate in the process in order to have the right to complain about the outcome.”

More so than ever, my 10 year old (who has been with me on every election day since 1998) is wanting to watch debates, wants to know how government works, etc… He is well aware of how active his parents are in our political position, but this year he wants to be heard and to participate.I decided that while I will continue to persuade those around me to vote, I also wanted to encourage my son’s curiosity about our government and voting process.Vote kids is a website that asks kids their opinion on our country’s hot issues; such as health insurance and education.

“That’s what Vote Kids is all about - making children a priority in American politics, instead of a political afterthought, by demanding that public officials support better policies for kids, and bringing children and family issues to the voting public’s attention.”

PBS which has always been to the core for children; has a great website that engages children in the voting process, government and educates them in a fun way. It has links that discuss what the President does, and voting procedures. The Democracy Project created by PBS is a wonderful, interactive way to engage your child into the voting process. My son especially likes Zoom out the vote. This site also by PBS encourages children to get “their grown ups to the polls”. These are just a few of the many sites out there to get our children involved in the voting process.It is so important that you discuss voting and the issues with your children. As your children mature, they will begin to learn about the world, other countries and their political processes, and that many, many people do not have an opportunity to voice a political opinion, nor an opposing political view to their government.

I suggest you bring your child with you on voting day to see the process in action, and show them how proud you are to be part of a democracy. Teach them that it is their duty as a citizen to vote. So much of what we as adults are deciding on will affect our children. And yes, I will say it, our children’s children. So please don’t assume that your vote doesn’t matter because it is cancelled out by someone you know with a different viewpoint. Educate yourself, participate in the process and teach your children about democracy.

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