If you ask any group of kids whether they’d like to play soccer
or tug-of-war, one thing’s for sure: Every child will want their
vote to be counted! We can encourage our kids to become voters
and help them learn through play. Check out these ideas to get
started. Between our kids' elementary school years and the time
they reach the voting age of 18, they lose steam. Four years
ago, only 41 percent of registered 18- to 20-year-olds showed up
to vote in the presidential election. We want our kids to be
less intimidated by the word "politics" and to be engaged in the
process, says Tammy Gagne, author of the book series A Kid's
Guide to the Voting Process (Mitchell Lane, 2012). "A child who
understands the importance of the issues won't see a ballot as
just another piece of paper." Kirsetin Morello is a freelance
writer, blogger and mom.