With the 2024 election coming up, now is a great time to teach your kids or your students about the election process and all about how our government works. Even if you’re reading this and the election is over, there is no better time than the present to teach kids about our government. I just heard about a school cutting classes and one of the classes being cut was high school government! We can’t sit back and raise uniformed citizens - that is plain scary.

Teaching kids about the voting and election process and how our government was created and works today is crucial for fostering informed and engaged citizens. Understanding how elections work empowers children to appreciate their rights and responsibilities in a representative democracy. It cultivates critical thinking about the issues that affect their lives and the importance of their voice in shaping the future. By learning about the electoral process, kids can grasp the fundamentals of civic responsibility, develop an interest in current events, and feel motivated to participate in their communities. This foundation not only supports their growth as knowledgeable individuals but also encourages a culture of active participation in our democracy that will carry into adulthood.

This packet that is linked below includes a fun activity where the your class can practice voting so they can see what real ballots look like and how to fill them out. They’ll first read a short biography on the candidates and then they can make their choice on their pretend ballots. You can also have them vote for a fun class reward so that always adds to the excitement!