"A few years ago, when I brought my then 5-year-old daughter with me to vote in Chicago’s mayoral runoff election, she stood outside the polling place shouting “You voted! Congratulations!” to every person heading to the parking lot. The cool thing is, she meant it. And, for me, that proud parenting moment solidified my efforts (and the importance) of teaching kids about voting.
My daughter has been voting with me—in my arms, in a stroller, on my shoulders, and at my side—for as long as she can remember. It’s a special thing we do together and the excitement we both feel to cast our vote for a brighter future is palpable between us. I’d like to think that sheer proximity to democracy-in-action fired her up for the American political process for life. At the very least, it couldn’t hurt, right?
The truth is, so many Americans decline to use their voice in each election. According to the Pew Research Center, only two-thirds (66 percent) of the eligible voting population in the U.S. took to the polls to cast their vote in the last presidential election in 2020. That’s a lot of people giving away their power and their say in the future.
And while elections, like candidates, are never perfect, instilling in my kid a sense of duty and pride around voting matters to me. When it comes to our ballots, I believe that even our youngest kids can play a role, setting the foundation for more involvement and interest later on. With that in mind, here’s my advice for getting started and revving up your child’s excitement for election day—and beyond.
How to Teach Your Kids About Voting and Election Day
Be Open About Politics With Your Kids
My husband and I have always have been politically transparent with our oldest daughter. She’s still little, so she might not understand the intricacies of our federal and municipal governments, but she does know what makes a good leader: intelligence, patience, bravery, and kindness, to name a few. My husband and I talk openly about what issues matter to us and which candidates best align with our views. We talk about voting as a means of taking care of ourselves and our communities—and the critical importance of using our vote to help improve the world for others.
However, we also know when it’s important to mince our words and we aim to not reveal too much about specific candidates, policies at stake, or campaign details. If you think your children aren’t going to parrot back what you once shouted at a political pundit on TV, think again. I once overheard my first-grader interrupt her teacher on Zoom to share something unsavory I’d muttered about a certain political figure. I think my face is still red, actually.
The lesson here is that our kids are always listening and will manage to repeat your worst offenses at the most inappropriate times. But the far greater one is that your child’s introduction to our political process shouldn’t be about bashing people. We’re here to lay the groundwork for an active political future, and that means exciting them about the process and empowering them to make good voting choices—not scaring them off with harsh words about folks who don’t share our views.
Show Kids the Importance of Campaigning
There are so many simple ways to get your child actively involved in any election. Once you’ve done your research and chosen the candidates you believe in, invite your little one to help design a sign for your front window or lawn. You can also get involved in a postcard-writing campaign to encourage people to get out and vote in swing states. Or help your child find issues that matter to them most—like taking care of the Earth or treating others fairly.
Teach Your Kids How to Cast a Ballot
One of the best ways to explain the significance of voting is to let your children cast a ballot of their own. Make it something that matters to them, whether it’s a family-wide vote on a movie night selection or a dessert option. Build anticipation and make it official by having each person cast their vote privately in the morning. Later in the day, come together to host your own version of election returns, (even if it’s as simple as tallying up votes!).
I love the fanfare of election day—although I do also experience some election-related anxiety as the results roll in—and I couldn’t wait to share that excitement with my little one in person at the voting box. If you’re voting by mail, let your child take a look at the ballot and show them how you cast a vote. Let your kid wear your “I voted” bracelet or sticker with pride.
Use the moment to show kids that their opinions matter. With their one powerful vote—which is equal in this situation to yours—they can sway an outcome. And if they refuse to use that vote? Well, then they also forfeit the right to complain about what happens next.
Books to Teach Kids About Voting and Election Day
Politics isn’t always the easiest message to relay to kids but, thankfully, there are a number of books you can turn to for help. These voting-themed books make the topic more approachable (and fun) for both you and your kids. Below, check out 20 books for kids about voting and elections to add to your at-home library this year.
We know your little one has your vote! In this book by Lori Alexander, you and your baby can learn about all the ways baby already has what it takes to become president, as well as learn about some presidential facts to inspire curiosity for the young mind.
From the Baby Loves series comes this easy-to-understand introduction to political science where your little one will learn all about democracy.
After learning in school that the United States has never had a female president, Grace sets out determined to carry the title for herself. If your little one is a true trailblazer, this is a book you’ll want to get your hands on.
This book is a fun and thought-provoking option for toddlers. Throughout the story, they will have the option to “vote” for everyday preference, all while learning the importance of making impactful decisions.
When Abuelo gets hurt at a landfill while walking Sofia to school, she comes up with an idea. She wants to replace the landfill with a beautiful park for her community. Read along as she learns about taking a stand, making impactful changes, and advocating for herself and her community.
Learning with a touch of nostalgia, anyone? In this book, the beloved Amelia Bedelia experiences her first school election day.
Max and Kelly go head-to-head for class president in this suspenseful children’s book. Along with learning a bit about elections, your little one will also get a great example of good sportsmanship.
We love all of the fun facts and historical trivia to be found in this book by Ruby Shamir. Your little ones will learn about the history of voting and our government.
In this book by Catherine Stier, your little ones will learn about the ins and outs—as well as the rewards and challenges—of starring in their own presidential campaign.
This children’s book starring the students of Stanton Elementary School teaches the importance of voting and elections, and explains how young Americans can find and vocalize their beliefs.
Recommended for ages 7+, this book is a great read for growing kids as it takes a peek into the history of voting, its historical influence, and how exactly it works.
When The Cat in the Hat takes a look at the who, how, and whys of voting, it becomes a fun learning experience.
Marsha Blackburn, the first woman-elected U.S. Senator from her state, and her daughter Mary Morgan Ketchel team up in this celebration of the centennial anniversary of the Suffrage Movement.
Follow along as a young learner makes all sorts of decisions, big and small, while learning about voting.
What better way to spark our childrens’ curiosity on voting than with their favorite monkey? Read along as George gets to cast his vote for school mascot.
This ABC book is a great first introduction into voting, social justice, and voter and civil rights.
When the animals of the jungle are no longer happy with their selfish leader, the lion, they vow to make a change. Several other animals campaign, debate, and rally for the title of king, or president, of the Jungle.
Equality’s Call is a necessary look into the history of voting in America and the inequalities we’ve previously had to overcome as a society and the ones we are still working towards.
As a 100-year-old woman from Alabama makes her way up a steep hill to her county courthouse to cast her vote, she reflects on her personal memories as well as the perseverance of those throughout history who have exercised their right to vote.
This fun children’s story explains all of the exciting things a young girl gets to experience and learn before the upcoming election day. Oh, and it includes stickers!
Why Teaching Kids About Voting Matters
Teaching kids about the importance of voting and civic engagement is important for many reasons—and you don’t have to be a perfect citizen yourself to do it! Don’t worry, you don’t need to know everything about the government or be an expert on every candidate. All you have to do is let your kid see you try. Show your little one that you’re committed to learning about issues that may impact them in the future and making decisions that could shape your community for the better. Do your research and start a conversation about what it means to be informed. Read on for seven reasons why it’s important to teach kids about voting and elections:
1. Building Civic Engagement Early
When children learn about voting, they start to understand the importance of being active participants in their communities. This early exposure helps them grow into adults who are more likely to engage in civic duties, such as voting and participating in public discussions.
2. Understanding Rights and Responsibilities
Voting is both a right and a responsibility in a democracy. Teaching kids about it helps them appreciate the power and responsibility that comes with being an informed citizen. They learn that their voice can contribute to shaping the society they live in.
3. Fostering Critical Thinking
Discussing voting with children encourages them to think critically about issues, policies, and candidates. They learn to analyze different perspectives and make informed decisions, skills that are valuable in many areas of life.
4. Promoting Informed Future Voters
By teaching children about the voting process, they become familiar with how elections work and why participation matters. This knowledge demystifies the process and makes it more likely that they will vote when they reach voting age.
5. Strengthening Democratic Values
Educating children about voting reinforces the importance of democracy. It helps them appreciate that people have fought for the right to vote and that it’s a privilege that should not be taken for granted.
6. Demonstrating That Voices Matter
Teaching kids about voting instills a sense of empowerment. They learn that, while they may not be able to vote yet, their opinions and voices matter. This can inspire them to get involved in age-appropriate activism or discussions about issues they care about.
7. Creating Lifelong Habits
Voting is a habit that can be cultivated. Research shows that kids who are exposed to discussions about civic participation are more likely to continue these practices into adulthood. Overall, teaching kids about voting helps build a more informed, active, and engaged future electorate that is better prepared to uphold democratic principles and contribute to their communities.
Lizzie Goodman, Contributing Writer
Lizzie is an editor and writer specializing in pregnancy, child development, and parenting. She lives in Chicago with her husband and two young daughters in a funny old house filled with books.