Election Day for Kids: How to Teach Kids the Election Process + FREE Printable

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As homeschooling parents, we understand the significance of nurturing inquisitive minds and fostering a deep understanding of the world around us. What better way to do so than by delving into the very essence of democracy and civic participation – elections!

In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, teaching our children about the election process is not only an educational endeavor but also a stepping stone towards raising informed and responsible United States citizens.

In this post, we’ll break down the election process in a way that’s both enjoyable and informative for kids of all ages, so you can best teach them in your homeschool.

You’ll also get some great ideas for election activities and books to enjoy with your kids…and FREE notebooking printables at the end!

Teaching Kids About Elections

Elections lie at the heart of democratic societies, allowing citizens to choose their representatives and have a say in the direction of their communities and countries.

But how do we convey this weighty concept to our young ones in the best way that captures their imagination?

Consider starting with a simple conversation about making choices. Ask your kids about how they decide what game to play or what book to read. This is a great opportunity to draw parallels between these everyday choices and the choices voters make during elections. This sets the foundation for understanding the significance of elections in a relatable way.

What is an Election and Why Do They Matter?

The official election definition is this: an organized process by which people make a decision or express an opinion, usually by voting to choose a leader.

At its core, an election is a way for people to choose their leaders. Whether it’s electing a president, a mayor, or even a class representative, the importance of voting can not be understated. Elections give us the power to have a say in who runs our government and makes important decisions that affect our daily lives.

Elections matter because they allow us to express our opinions and shape the future of our communities. They give us the chance to vote for candidates who represent our values and stand up for the issues we care about. By participating in elections, we become active citizens and contribute to building a better society.

How Does the Election Process Work?

The election process starts with registering to vote (the voting age is 18 years old).

Once you’ve completed voter registration, it’s time to research the candidates who are running and decide who you’d like to support.

The Issues at Stake

During elections, candidates discuss and debate various issues that impact our lives. Some of these include:

• Education: Candidates may talk about improving schools, providing resources for students, and ensuring equal opportunities for everyone to receive a quality education.
• Environment: Protecting our planet is a hot topic. Candidates may propose solutions to combat climate change, promote renewable energy, and preserve natural resources.
• Healthcare: Candidates often discuss ways to make healthcare more affordable and accessible to all. They might propose plans to improve hospitals, reduce the cost of medicine, or ensure that everyone has access to necessary treatments.
• Economy: Candidates share ideas on creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and boosting the economy. They may talk about minimum wage, taxes, and investing in infrastructure.

Remember, these are just a few examples, and there are many more issues that candidates debate during elections. It’s crucial to pay attention to what they say and think about which issues matter to you the most.

Election Process, Step-by-Step

Then comes Election Day, the day when the voting process takes place. Here’s step-by-step guide to the election process:

1. Registering to Vote: Before anything else, eligible voters need to register themselves. This means filling out a form that includes personal details like your name, address, and date of birth. Remember, only adults who are 18 years or older can vote, but it’s never too early to learn about voting for kids and the process.
2. Choosing the Candidates: Once the registration is complete, it’s time to learn about the candidates. Candidates are individuals who want to be elected and represent the people. They share their ideas, values, and plans with the public through speeches, debates, and advertisements. It’s essential to do your research and find out which candidates align with your beliefs.
3. Campaigning: This is where the excitement really kicks in! Candidates travel around their communities, meet with citizens, and share their visions for a better future. You might see their posters, hear their catchy slogans, or even attend rallies where they speak about their plans. Campaigning is all about convincing voters that they are the best choice.
4. Voting Day: The big day has arrived! On voting day, eligible citizens head to their designated polling stations. These stations are usually set up in schools, community centers, or other public places. Don’t worry; you don’t have to stand in long lines like adults do just yet. But it’s never too early to understand how important this step is!
5. Casting Your Vote: At the polling station, you’ll find a friendly poll worker who will guide you through the process. They’ll hand you a ballot – a piece of paper with the names of all the candidates running for a particular position. Often, you’ll head to a voting booth for privacy. You mark an “X” or check the box next to the name of the candidate you want to vote for. Remember, it’s a secret ballot, so no one will know who you voted for!

What Happens on Election Night?

Election night is a crucial and often highly anticipated event in the electoral process!

It’s the culmination of weeks or months of campaigning, where candidates and political parties have been vying for the support of voters.

Here’s what typically happens on election night, so you can teach your kids:

1. Polls Close: Throughout election day, polling stations have been open for voters to cast their ballots. The polls eventually close, usually in the evening. The exact closing time varies by location and type of election.
2. Vote Counting Begins: As soon as the polls close, the process of counting the votes begins. Election officials tally the votes cast at each polling station. This count can be manual or electronic, depending on the technology used in that jurisdiction.
3. Exit Polls and Preliminary Results: Even before the official results are announced, media organizations often conduct exit polls. These are surveys of voters leaving polling stations to gauge the preliminary trends and potential outcomes. They provide a snapshot of how different demographic groups and regions voted.
4. Announcing Results: As the vote counting progresses, preliminary results start to emerge. Initially, these might be based on partial counts or projections. However, it’s important to note that these early results are not always fully representative of the final outcome, as they might disproportionately reflect early votes or certain regions.
5. Candidate Speeches: Candidates and political party leaders usually hold gatherings on election night to address their supporters. If the preliminary results are in their favor, they may give victory speeches and express gratitude to their supporters. Conversely, if the results are not favorable, they might acknowledge the current state of affairs and express hope for the final results.
6. Media Coverage: Television, radio, and online news outlets provide extensive coverage of the election night proceedings. They offer real-time updates on vote counts, projections, and reactions from political analysts.
7. Official Results: As the night progresses and more votes are counted, the official results become clearer. These results are typically certified by election authorities, and they determine the winners of various offices, from local positions to national leadership roles.
8. Concession and Acceptance Speeches: If a candidate realizes they are unlikely to win based on the official results, they may deliver a concession speech. This speech often includes congratulating the winning candidate and pledging support for a smooth transition of power. On the other hand, the winning candidate may give an acceptance speech, outlining their plans and expressing gratitude for the trust placed in them by the voters.
9. Historic Moments: Election nights can sometimes mark historic moments, such as the election of a new leader, the passage of significant legislation, or shifts in political power.
10. Public Reaction: Election night results spark a range of reactions from the public. Supporters of winning candidates celebrate, while supporters of other candidates might experience disappointment. Social media platforms often buzz with discussions, memes, and reactions.
11. Transition Planning: For newly elected officials, election night marks the beginning of a transition period. They start planning for assuming office, assembling their team, and outlining their policy priorities.

Overall, election night is a dynamic and impactful event that shapes the direction of a country or region. It’s a moment when the collective voice of the electorate is heard, and the course of governance is determined for the coming years.

Election Activities for Kids

To make learning about elections enjoyable and memorable, explore these activities and resources in your homeschool:

Read Election Day Books

There are wonderful children’s books that introduce election concepts in an age-appropriate manner. Consider titles like “Duck for President” by Doreen Cronin or “Grace for President” by Kelly DiPucchio.

Watch Election Day Videos

Educational videos can visually explain complex concepts. Platforms like YouTube offer animated videos that simplify the election process.

Mock Debates

Organize friendly debates on topics your children care about. This fosters critical thinking and communication skills while emulating the discourse of political campaigns.

Take a Field Trip

If possible, visit local government offices or polling stations. Seeing the process in action can be an eye-opening experience.

Create a Campaign Poster

Have your kids design their own campaign posters for fictional candidates or causes they care about. They can use markers, crayons, and other art supplies to create eye-catching posters with slogans and symbols.

Hold a Mock Election

Set up a mock election at home. Create ballots with simple choices, like “favorite dessert” or “best animal.” Provide a ballot box and let your kids cast their votes. Count the votes together and discuss the results of the family vote.

Design a Voting Booth

Help your kids create a mini voting booth using cardboard or a large box. Decorate it with patriotic colors and symbols. Let them experience the act of casting a vote in their own private booth.

Write a Campaign Speech

Encourage your kids to write and deliver a campaign speech for a topic they are passionate about. It could be something simple like “Why Ice Cream Should Be Dessert Every Day” or more serious like “Why Recycling is Important.”

Role-Playing Candidates

Have your kids take on the roles of candidates in a mock election. They can come up with their own platforms and campaign strategies. This encourages them to think critically about issues and practice persuasive communication.

Voting Bingo

Create a bingo card with items related to election day, such as “I saw a campaign sign,” “I heard someone talking about voting,” or “I learned about the electoral process.” As your kids observe these items throughout the day, they can mark them off on their bingo card.

Map the Electoral Votes

For U.S. presidential elections, you can create a map of the United States and color in states as they’re called for each candidate. This helps kids understand the concept of electoral college votes vs. the popular vote, and how they contribute to the overall outcome.

Trivia Quiz

Prepare a trivia quiz with questions about elections, famous historical moments, and notable political figures. Turn it into a friendly competition among family members to see who knows the most.

Storytelling Time

Share stories about historic elections or individuals who made a significant impact on democracy. Highlight figures like suffragettes, civil rights activists, and leaders who championed positive change.

Cook Patriotic Snacks

Have a great time and get creative in the kitchen by making snacks that represent the flag’s colors, like red and blue berry parfaits or star-shaped sandwiches. Use the opportunity to discuss the importance of participating in the democratic process.

Try an Online Unit Study

If you have upper elementary or older kids, they might enjoy learning about elections in this Elections Online Unit Study from Techie Homeschool Mom. Not only will they learn all about elections, but they’ll also learn how to create a virtual newspaper using a presentation webtool.

Books to Read About the History of Voting

Here are some books you can add to your homeschool book basket that can help your kids learn about the history of voting, democracy, and civic participation:

1. “Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965“ by Jonah Winter and Shane W. Evans. This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of an elderly African American woman as she climbs a steep hill on her way to cast her vote, reflecting on her family’s history and the struggles for voting rights.
2. “If You Were There When They Signed the Constitution“ by Elizabeth Levy and Joan Holub. While not solely focused on voting, this book provides insights into the creation of the U.S. Constitution and the democratic principles that underpin it.
3. “One Vote, Two Votes, I Vote, You Vote“ by Bonnie Worth. Part of the Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library series, this book uses Dr. Seuss’s signature rhymes to explain elections, voting, and how they work in the United States.
4. “The Election Book: The People Pick a President“ by Carolyn Jackson. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the election process, including primaries, conventions, debates, and the Electoral College, using kid-friendly language and illustrations.
5. “Woodrow for President: A Tail of Voting, Campaigns, and Elections“ by Peter W. Barnes and Cheryl Shaw Barnes. This book combines a cute story about animals with explanations of campaign strategies, political parties, and voting.
6. “When You Grow Up to Vote: How Our Government Works for You“ by Eleanor Roosevelt. In this book, Eleanor Roosevelt explains various aspects of government and citizenship, including voting, in a simple and accessible manner.
7. “The Voice That Changed a Nation: Marian Anderson and the Struggle for Equal Rights“ by Russell Freedman. While not exclusively about voting, this book tells the story of Marian Anderson and her groundbreaking concert at the Lincoln Memorial, a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement.
8. “So You Want to be President?“ by Judith St. George and David Small. Although not solely about voting, this book offers humorous insights into the lives and achievements of various U.S. presidents, providing context for the importance of elections.
9. “Around America to Win the Vote: Two Suffragists, a Kitten, and 10,000 Miles“ by Mara Rockliff and Hadley Hooper. This picture book follows two suffragists as they embark on a cross-country journey to advocate for women’s right to vote, providing historical context and celebrating their efforts.

These books offer a mix of historical context, engaging storytelling, and educational content to help kids grasp the significance of voting and its evolution over time.

Instilling Civic Responsibility

As we nurture the seeds of knowledge, let’s not forget the importance of fostering civic duty and responsibility.

Explain to your kids that participating in elections is a great way to be a good citizen, make their voices heard and contributing to their community’s well-being. Encourage discussions about issues that matter to them and brainstorm ways they can make positive changes, even before they’re old enough to vote.

Keep track of what your kids are learning during election season with these FREE Election Notebooking printables. They’re great to add to your lesson plans about elections!

Let’s empower our children to not just learn about history, but to actively shape it through their understanding and participation.

Get ready to watch them flourish as they grow into individuals who are not only knowledgeable about the world of politics but also dedicated to making it a better place, one vote at a time.

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