Election Day presents a teachable moment for kids

PHOENIX — This historic election can be a teachable moment for our youth.

It has drama, conflict and after two years of coverage, kids have likely heard all about it.

“I think it’s a very teachable moment,” said Arizona Secretary of State Michele Reagan. “Go through and have your student look through and see all the different candidates.”

To get them involved, parents can have their kids pick a few that they would like to see win, she said.

They can even pick here, which has all the candidates, their positions and the propositions as well as live election results.

While they pick, start a discussion. Ask them what they know about the candidates, the issues or the process.

“If you’re someone who goes to the polls, and doesn’t do an early ballot,” she said. “We see a lot of people bring their kids to the polls.”

Parents can also show their kids what process they use to decide who to vote for.

“Some people already know, but some people do some research, so share that with your kids,” she said.

Then let them decide for themselves and together. Watch the process unfold and see who wins.

“This isn’t dad’s vote or this isn’t mom’s vote,” Reagan said. “Here’s the facts, and then you decide.”

That lets them play along as results come out Tuesday night, but it also gives them a stake in the process and ownership over their decision.

“And that’s so much more empowering,” she said.  “And that’s what voting is all about.”

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