Goyer: Kids and Voting

• Support the school's election activities. Have the children collect the "I voted" stickers from their parents and bring them to school to see which class had the most kids who went with their parents to vote. Help them organize mock elections. Moderate a school debate about key national issues.
• Encourage children to take part in an online voting activity. Time for Kids and the Nickelodeon Poll conduct their own presidential "elections" in which kids can vote during the run-up to the national elections.
• Take the kids to vote with you. Make it an experience they will remember. If you expect a long line, bring a book or quiet activity for them. Take them into the voting booth with you if you are able, and show them how it works. My nephew said his fascination with the mechanics of the voting machines made him look forward to going to "vote" every year.
• Make sure they register to vote. Celebrate kids’ 18th birthdays by helping them register to vote!
• Make a big deal out of the first time they are able to vote. Go with them to the polls if they'd like you to do that. Commemorate this important coming of age.
• Watch the election-night coverage, and have your own party! Invite friends, neighbors, and family to watch the election returns and involve the kids.