Election time!

Election time is exciting time of the year. Explain to your child or classroom how voting is a right in our country and in order to vote in an election voters must meet certain criteria.

Voters in our country must:

1. Be 18 years of age or older
2. Be a citizen of the United States of America
3. Register to vote.

Have your child or classroom fill out a voter registration form before you hold a class election.

During election time candidates are trying to spread their message and earn your vote. They do this through ads on the television, mail and signs. They look for creative slogans and ways to get the vote from registered voters in their area. Voters only vote for candidates who represent their area.

When it come time to vote there are many ways a voter can cast their ballot. Voters can send in an absentee ballot or report to their polling location to cast their vote. There is also a time period where voters are allowed to show up to cast their vote early, this is called early voting. Explain that voting is a private issue and they are entitled to their own opinion. Voters do not have to share how they voted, unless they choose too. When voting, voters are given privacy at the election center. When finished, voters cast their ballot and place it in a ballot box, where it will be counted at a later time.

A fun way to show students about voting is to have a election to vote on the class's favorite popcorn flavor. I have included a ballot for voting for cheese, butter or caramel popcorn. Provide children with popcorn and they have them vote on their favorite.

Talk to children about the issues with voting:

1. You may only pick 1 popcorn ( candidate) to vote for in the election
2. You need to cast your ballot for the best flavor ( candidate)
3. Sometimes you may not have a favorite or like any flavor ( candidate) but, you must choose.

Provide children with a private voting area for them to cast their vote. After provide them with a voting sticker. You can even print on sticker paper to make the process more authentic. I love this vinyl sticker paper, it is easy to print on and cut out. If you have an electronic cutting machine, like a Cricut or Silhouette you can then cut the stickers out on it after.