Tomorrow is election day! Finally, an end to relentless advertisements, specious polling, and the unending string of debates. The incessant media coverage can make the whole precess feel predetermined, but the results are meaningless without your vote.

This is an important truth for us to teach our children. Voting matters. Even when we are busy in the quagmires of our own lives, we must remain aware of the issues in our community and pay attention to the leaders who wish to take action on those issues.

Since my oldest was born, we have marched to the polls as a family. Even amid the busy rush before work, the kids don’t slow us down or cause a scene or disrupt other voters. Somehow, they sense the gravitas of the situation. They watch curiously, and ask quiet questions.

Only once has my daughter loudly exclaimed, “yea, we voted for _____!”  Yes, of course, they know which candidates we tend to support.

This year, I’m being a bit more intentional with my lesson in civic engagement. Difficult as it is, I’m also trying to be a bit less of a dogmatist.

I invited Miss Kindergarten to visit the nonpartisan League of Women Voters ballot building site with me. I showed her how I could compare candidates issue stances. I even let her help check the box to the mock ballot that I can bring with me to the polls. This was a great, interactive tool for me, and a good demonstration of the voting process for her.

On election day, I plan to hold a vote at home, as well. I’ll make very simple ballots for our whole family. We’ll elect household members for very important positions: snack chef, table setter, table clearer, and cat feeder. I’ll ask if anyone wants to run for a specific position, and we’ll go from there.

Share your story! How have you involved your kids with the voting process?

Tags: Building Community, Free, Social Action

About Sarah

Sarah Aadland is striving to make family volunteering a meaningful habit for her family of five. Join the conversation as she ponders what they may (or may not have) learned and looks for helpful information about raising compassionate kids.Though she plans to one day put her Masters in Public Policy back to work for social justice, she sees family volunteering as a way to build a stronger community, a better world, and a more connected family. In addition to her children, Sarah tends a large garden, a small flock of chickens, and a habit of mindfulness amid the necessary rituals of parenting.

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