Jump to: Materials | Discussion Questions | Activities
Perspective: We hear a lot about voting and civic engagement, but many young people take the right to participate in democracy for granted, and the struggles that made broader participation possible don’t always get much attention in the classroom. Over time, voting has become more inclusive, and different groups have played a bigger role in shaping election outcomes. Today, civic engagement goes beyond just casting a ballot; it also includes staying informed and getting involved in your community. In this module, we’ll explore why voting matters, what influences people to participate, and how individuals can take an active role in the democratic process.
Goal: Our goal is to provide age-appropriate resources and information on the importance of voting. This module also highlights why being involved in your community matters, whether that means voting, staying informed, speaking up about issues, or participating in local activities. Learning about voting helps students see how their voices can make a difference and why active civic engagement is essential to a strong and healthy democracy.
Content: We provide activities and discussion questions designed to explore civic engagement and voting at all education levels. These resources share the values of civic responsibility, perseverance, and community, and they plant the seeds of lifelong civic participation.
Materials
Printable materials to use in the classroom!
Vote for Our Future! Discussion Guide
Vote for Our Future! Thank You Cards
Vote for Our Future! Stickers (print on Uline S-13769 labels)
Vote for Our Future! Storytime Sheet
Vote for Our Future! Printable Coloring Sheet
Books & Articles
- Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965
- Bold & Brave: Ten Heroes Who Won Women the Right to Vote
- “‘V’ is for Voting” by Kate Farrell
- Sofia Valdez and the Vanishing Vote
Video & Web Resources
Discussion Questions
Recommended for elementary-aged (K-5) students K-5
- Why is it important to vote?
- Why did Stanton Elementary School close on Election Day? What does that tell you about how important voting is?
- What is a polling station, and why do communities need them?
- Why do you think people have to be 18 to vote? Do you think that is fair?
- The kids in the story are too young to vote — but they find other ways to make a difference. What did they do? Can you think of other ways kids could get involved?
- What are some of the ways the students encouraged adults to vote?
- If you wanted to run for class president, how might you convince others to vote for you?
- If you could vote for one change in your school or your neighborhood, what would it be and why?
- What was your favorite part of the book? Was there a part you didn’t like?
Recommended for middle school-aged (6-8) students 6-8
- Why should adults vote even if they feel like their one vote won’t matter?
- If you could vote for one change in your school or your neighborhood, what would it be and why?
Activities
Cast A Vote! K-5
Using the Vote for Our Future! Storytime Sheet: Have students cast their ballot for their favorite snack! Once all students have cast their ballot, give them a sticker from the Vote for Our Future! Stickers, then count the ballots and announce the winner!
Alternative: Students can decide what they want to vote on and create a sample ballot that is then shared with the class in the same way.
Let’s Vote! Talking to Children about Voting. K-5 6-8
Encourage conversations about voting outside the classroom! Check out PBS Kids Let’s Vote! for games and resources to explore the importance of voting.
What Makes A Good Leader? K-5 6-8
iCivics offers interactive games for students to use to learn about Elections and Voting. Check out the iCivics lesson What Makes A Good Leader? Through this activity, students will learn what qualities make a good leader, look at historical figures, and understand what made them great leaders.