This year is taking on significant importance when it comes to voting. From the presidential election to our local city council elections, 2024 is the year for parents to not only embrace the significance of voting but also take time to talk to their children about voting.
Not only is this a presidential election year, but local city and parish governments are also holding elections. Children may begin to see an influx of ads, billboards, and commercials just about everywhere they go. Many kids may not even pay attention to the advertisements, but some may have questions about voting, our presidential election, or what it means to have an election.
As parents, we know the current political scene can be a scorching topic to discuss with anyone, let alone our children. So without getting too abrasive, how do parents talk to the kids about voting? Well, we have a few ideas and resources to share with you!
Why Teach Kids About Voting:
While it may seem like a heavy subject to bring up with our little ones, teaching children about the importance of voting is actually a fantastic way to instill in them a sense of civic duty, the significance of empowering their voice, and prepare them for the future.
When we teach our kids about voting, we're teaching them about democracy, community engagement, and supporting what they believe in. By showing them the importance of participating in the decision-making process, we're fostering their sense of responsibility and their understanding that they too can make a difference in their communities.
The Difference Between Presidential and Local City Elections:
Presidential elections are held every four years and determine who becomes the leader of our country. On the other hand, local city elections occur more frequently and involve choosing leaders for local government offices, like mayors, city council members, or school board representatives. Explaining these differences to our children can help them understand the various levels of government and how each one impacts their daily lives.
 Mikayla Barletto, Iberia Parish 4-H Junior Leader President with Iberia Parish President, M. Larry Richard The Sliman Theater, March 27, 2024 Image by Tracie Ysaguire |
I have taken my children to different events over the years like career fairs and civic meetings for them to get more of a hands-on learning experience. It can ease their steps into adulthood as well as offer the chance for them to learn how to begin to form their own opinions. It also can give parents the opportunity to have a healthy discussion about topics that may be sometimes hard to approach. You too can also make plans to bring your children to a city council meeting or other community meetings to let them see the process is in action.
This week, the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce held several political forums at The Sliman Theater for local candidates to meet, debate, and discuss their platforms. The forums covered the races for City Council districts, Mayor Pro-Tem, and the Iberia Parish Tax Assessor. One way to begin the discussion of voting could be to watch the forums with your children, depending on their age, and discuss any questions they may have.
You can watch the forums at these links below:
The Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce Political Forum for City Council Districts and Mayor Pro-Tem
The Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce Political Forum for Tax Assessor for Iberia Parish
How to Register to Vote:
When your child reaches voting age (which may seem like lightyears away, but trust me, time flies!), they'll need to register to vote. But fear not, my friend, registering to vote is easier than assembling the new furniture we love to hate! The process may vary slightly depending on where you live, but generally, you'll need to fill out a voter registration form either online or in person. Many states allow pre-registration for teenagers, so even if your child can't vote yet, they can still get a head start on civic engagement.
Teaching our younger children about voting is an investment in their future and the continued growth of our democracy. By instilling in them an understanding of the electoral process, we're raising informed citizens who will actively contribute to their communities.
Let's talk to our kids about voting, inspire them to use their voices for good, and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow, one vote at a time. Here are a few links and resources parents can use to talk to children about the importance of voting:
- PBS Kids for Parents offers games, videos, and printables for younger children from around age 2 to 9 years of age to learn about voting and civic engagement. Parents have the opportunity to make learning fun with these resources. I am sure many adults from my generation remember watching Sesame Street or Schoolhouse Rock and learning about elections and the voting process. Anyone recall "I'm Just a Bill?"
- PBS Learning Media for Teachers: This site offers detailed lessons and printables for older children to learn more about civics, the election process, and how voting works. The resources are geared to middle school and high school aged students.
- KIDS Voting USA: Parents can find online games and other resources here for children of all ages to discuss the importance of voting and participating in community elections.
- National Constitution Center: While the material here is more classroom oriented for teachers, this site offers the opportunity for kids to watch in-depth videos and other resources to learn more about the voting process. Also, if your child is interested in student government and other civic engagement organizations such as 4-H and Girl Scouts, find out about registering them to one of local chapters chapters in your area. They will have many opportunities learn about leadership and civic engagement by participating in these groups.
- Louisiana Secretary of State: Parents can get information on the Registrar of Voters offices, the Geaux Vote system, and information on upcoming elections.
While each of our parenting journeys may be different, we need to think of our parenting journey as something we do together as a community. By working together, we can raise a generation of engaged and empowered citizens.
