Election day voting is important for students to understand. Students need to understand the value of the vote. Elections give students an opportunity to see how the government works. Students need practical information to enable them to have a dialogue about issues and candidates. Social justice issues are important to a student’s livelihood.
Election Process is Teachable
The process of election day and/or early voting is important. Students need to learn why and how their vote helps society. Young students can understand civics and politics in meanings that are age appropriate. Young children are naturally inquisitive about the world around them. Many educators simulate voting in the classroom. Students vote on rules, disagreements, various types of classroom leaders, and issues that arise daily.
Through voting, students learn math skills. Teaching the process lends opportunities for math, reading, and social sciences. Through the voting process students learn about democracy. They see that democracy works when it includes all voices. They learn the interworkings of a democratic system.
Today, only half of the young voting population votes. Teaching about the process of the vote at a young age teaches the effects of everyday life. The voting process supports students with social and emotional needs.
Citizenship is important for the upcoming generation. Learning about voting at an early age helps them grow into good citizens. It gives them a perspective of other views and beliefs. It teaches a respect for the opinions of others and that it is fine to disagree.
Good citizenship includes the responsibility and privilege of voting. As citizens, students learn they are responsible to take part in their government. They also learn that they must register to vote.
Increasing the Vote
To increase the voter turnout means to inform student about the history and the process. Therefore, the future has a stable democracy. It’s important to today’s society to create life long voting habits. Students need to understand their vote is their voice.
There are several ways to teach at home or at school.
- Find out what is important to students/children.
- Show that different opinions are usual.
- Vote in class and encourage it at home.
- Read books about voting.
- Observe various candidate’ signs.
- Encourage voting.
Votes Count
An election is a formal group decision-making process. Elections produce or take away certain civil liberties. Such liberties include media. Plus, early voting take away discriminatory practices. Teaching about the election process and the importance of the vote, students understand how their rights form.
