On November 8, Americans will go to the polls to vote for President. It’s safe to say that we’re ready for this particular election to be over.
This election year has been difficult for me, especially as a parent. My children are old enough to be aware of current events and to ask difficult questions. And I have struggling to find the words to explain it all. I want my children to understand the political process and the importance of American democracy. I also want them to become responsible citizens and informed voters.
Here are a few points my husband and I have discussed with our kids about politics and elections.
Voting is a Right and a Responsibility.
The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy. The U.S. Constitution gives us the right to have a voice in how we are governed. The right to vote in free and fair elections is a hard-won privilege that many others in the world do not share. We have a responsibility to maintain our democracy. We have a responsibility to be informed about the issues when we go to the polls. We have a civic duty to elect leaders who will protect and preserve our rights as citizens.
Every Vote Matters.
Does one vote really matter? It might. Back in 2012, Barack Obama won New Hampshire by about 40,000 votes, which sounds like a lot. But when you break that number down, the difference between winning and losing was only 66 votes per precinct. Think about that. If 66 people in each precinct had voted the other way, the outcome would have been different.
The historically close election of 2000 also proves that every vote does matter.
Research the Issues.
There are more than just candidates on the ballot. There are also proposed state constitutional amendments and county-specific issues. As citizens, it’s our responsibility to vote to protect our rights. So do your homework. Learn about the issues. Consider the impact these issues will have on your city, county, state and country. And consider the impact these issues may have on the world. Not all of the issues are easy to understand. But give it a shot. Ask experts and people you respect to explain them.
Educate yourself, and then decide what you think.
Find Out About the Candidates.
Think about the issues you care about and the qualities you want in a leader. Look at the candidates. What is their position on different issues? How much experience do they have? How well prepared are they for the job? Find out about their leadership abilities. Learn what other people think about the candidates.
Sites like Politifact.com, FactCheck.org, OnTheIssues.org, and Govtrack.us/Congress/Votes will give you insight as to where candidates stand and how they’ve voted in the past.
Fact Check!
Don’t believe everything you read or hear. Remember, all candidates are trying to sell themselves to voters. They say things to sway your opinions. Sometimes they will distort the truth. They oversimplify complex issues. They make sweeping statements or unsubstantial claims about their opponents. They make accusations and presents facts that support only one point of view. Be skeptical. Look for evidence. Check the sources.
Fact-checking websites like Politifact.com and FactCheck.org will help you separate facts from fiction.
Sort It All Out.
Ask yourself which candidate’s views on the issues do you agree with the most. Which candidate is the most knowledgable on the issues? Which candidate has the leadership abilities you are looking for? Compare and judge each candidate. Decide which candidate best aligns with your values and beliefs. It’s important to think through political decisions, and it’s O.K. to come to your own conclusions.
Is the choice clear? If so, pick a candidate.
It’s OK to Disagree…with Courtesy!
Listen to what others have to say about the election. Listen to both sides and be open to learning. You don’t have to think like them, but you do have to think. If you disagree with someone, be polite. Express your thoughts and opinions with courtesy and common decency.
You can have different opinions and still get along.
Respect the Outcome
Hopefully, your chosen candidate will win. But every November many candidates lose. You may feel disappointed and upset with the election results — and that’s OK. Just don’t be a sore loser. Like it or not, the American voters have spoken. Respect the outcome and be civil.
Remember, your next chance for change is only four years away.
Kid-friendly news
These news websites break down the events of the day in age-appropriate terms, while avoiding stuff you probably won’t want them exposed to.
Kid-friendly books about American politics
- Bad Kitty for President
- Around America to Win the Vote: Two Suffragists, a Kitten, and 10,000 Miles.
- The Founding Fathers: Those Horse-Ridin’, Fiddle-Playin’, Book-Readin’, Gun-Totin’ Gentlemen Who Started America.
- Helping Your Child Become a Responsible Citizen
Note: Muscogee Moms does not endorse candidates for political office. The contents of this blog are the opinions of the author and do not constitute or imply an endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by Muscogee Moms LLC.
