I don’t remember much from my childhood, but I still remember tagging along with my parents when they went to vote in the 1988 presidential election. I was seven, and thought it to be a strange and fascinating ordeal. What I remember most clearly is when a friend of the family, who was exiting the polls, suggested loudly that we vote for Bush. My parents just shook their heads. I can’t say I knew much about what was going on, but it certainly made an impression.
Today’s parents can do more than just bring their kids when they go to vote—children can cast their own votes, thanks to the Kids Voting NH program. All the Manchester wards are participating in the program, which is geared toward youth in grades K-12. To help your child make an informed choice when they vote, Scholastic News Online is one example of a website that has helpful resources for youth and parents. You can also consult our Oct. 24th post for grown-up voting information.
If your children are too young to understand the role of elected officials, you can still introduce them to the concept of voting by bringing them to the library. From now until November 29th, kids from preschool to 3rd grade can vote for their favorite nominee for the Ladybug Picture Book Award 2008. You can help your little ones make an informed choice of their own by visiting the online catalog or calling the children’s room at 624-6550 ext. 328 to reserve some of these titles.
-Amy G.
