Will you be bringing your kids along when you place your vote on Tuesday?
Most parents wouldn’t dream of dragging a squirmy tot the polls on what is supposed to be an historical Election Day, especially since long lines have been making headlines from coast-to-coast. However, if you have the means, you might consider sharing the voting experience with your child.
Today, my third grader came home with a note from her teacher encouraging moms and dads to have their kids accompany them in the voting booth. She wants the kids to get a first-hand look at the electoral process.
For the record, the law permits children under the age of 18 to join their parents, grandparents or other adult caretaker in the voting booth. That means you can take your newborn, as well as your 17-year-old, behind the curtain and show them how one vote can make a difference. Just be mindful of how many kiddos you take with you into the booth. Some states limit the number of children that can be in a booth at the same time. For example, the state of Maryland only allows a maximum of two children under the age of 18 to accompany a parent or adult caregiver into a voting booth at one time. So, if you have four children, whom you want to experience democracy in action, you might consider heading to the polls with an additional friend or family member.
Those extra hands will be put to good use if you have especially rambunctious rugrats. According to federal law, children may not interfere with or disrupt the voting process. In other words, if your kid is running around, crawling into occupied voting booths, stealing “I Voted” stickers and using them to decorate the walls of your polling place; you may be escorted off the property. Bottom line: Prepare for long lines. Bring along items to keep your children from going stir crazy. Books, handheld video games (placed on mute), an iPad, or other small toys that won’t distract other voters should keep your kids quiet while you make your way to the voting booth.
Finally, consider educating your child before heading to your local polling place. Explain the voting process in way they will understand. PBS Kids has a great website set-up to educate youngsters on the importance of voting. Interactive highlights include a section dedicated to meeting the presidential candidates, ideas to create your own campaign poster, an area loaded with print and share presidential trading cards, and a tab your kids can click in order to take a tour of a mock voting booth.
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