Election Day Activities and Crafts for Kids

With the 2024 election quickly approaching, politics is likely top of mind for most of us right now. 

Our first instinct can be to shield our children from the election fervor, but this important time in American democracy is perfect for helping kids exercise their agency as citizens and future voters.

From dinner conversations to patriotic crafts to casting a ballot right at home, there are plenty of positive ways to involve your child in politics and the upcoming election day.

Election Day Convos: Discover Meaningful Issues

The intensity of campaign ads, news coverage and political discourse during election cycles can often be overwhelming to kids (and to adults!). 

Talking to your children about issues they find important can help them feel more empowered by the political process, says Bruce Lesley, President of First Focus on Children, a bipartisan advocacy organization working to make children a priority in federal policy.

“Rather than shielding kids from politics, which may make them feel helpless and hopeless, teach them about their role in democracy,” Lesley says.

Start by talking to kids about their aspirations, Lesley suggests. Ask them: “If you were in charge, what would you do?”

Then, look up how local, state and national policies affect your child’s interests. Find out which lawmakers your child can contact about supporting the cause or implementing change. 

“This also teaches kids how government works,” Lesley says. “It shows them what’s different between a school board, a city council and the president.”

Rather than shielding kids from politics, which may make them feel helpless and hopeless, teach them about their role in democracy.

Election Day Activities: Speak Your Voice

Once your child finds something they’re passionate about, encourage them to make their voice heard.

“Kids can write letters, go to events and ask questions, fundraise or talk to their peers,” Lesley says. “It only takes one kid to raise an issue and change things dramatically in their community or school.”

Here’s an easy template for writing letters to lawmakers that can help kids get started:

[DATE]

Dear [OFFICIAL’S TITLE AND LAST NAME],

My name is [NAME] and I live in [CITY, STATE]. 

[ISSUE] is very important to me because [REASONS WHY ISSUE IS IMPORTANT]. 

I hope you will [SAY HOW YOU WANT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO VOTE], because [WHY YOU WANT THEM TO VOTE THIS WAY]. Thank you.

Sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]

[YOUR ADDRESS]

Here’s an example of a completed letter:

April 27, 2022

Dear Senator Smith,

My name is Jacob Phan and I live in Claymont, Michigan. 

Keeping the Great Lakes clean is very important to me because it’s one of the world’s most important ecosystems. But invasive species are harming it.

I hope you will vote yes on the U.S. Senate bill that will give money to solve this problem, because millions of people and animals depend on the Great Lakes for drinking water. We need to protect this ecosystem for our future. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Jacob Phan

354 Park Street

Claymont, MI 77730

One of the simplest ways to show kids democracy in action is to host your own election day for kids right at home. 

Election Day Crafts: Voting for Kids

If you and your kids need to ease your way into advocacy, start smaller! 

One of the simplest ways to show kids democracy in action is to host your own election day for kids right at home.

First, choose a family election day “issue.” Ideas can include what to have for dinner, what to watch on movie night or what to do over the weekend.

Next, have kids create campaign posters for the issue they support. Use construction paper, poster board, paint, markers or glitter.

Finally, create a ballot box and have each family member cast their vote. Which issue won? How did campaign posters influence voter decisions?

Don’t forget the best part about the voting process — pride in exercising your civic duty! Kids can create their very own “I Voted” stickers to show that democracy matters to them.

“I Voted” Sticker Craft

• Construction paper (red, white or blue)
• Scissors
• Markers
• Cupcake liners (red, white or blue)
• Glue
• Foil star stickers (red, white or blue)
• Masking tape
   

-Use a pencil or marker to trace the bottom of a cupcake liner on a piece of construction paper. 

-Cut out the circle with scissors and write a short message, such as “I Voted!” or “Future Voter,” with markers.

-Decorate the circle with star stickers

-Glue the circle to the inside bottom of the cupcake liner

-Cut a small strip of masking tape, make a loop and stick it to the outside bottom of the cupcake liner.

-Stick your new sticker to your shirt and wear it with pride!

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