K-12 Students Read, Think, Decide in Election 2015
Charlotte's GenerationNation gives local students a chance to experience voting process
It's voting time. This voting season, perhaps the most talked about election is that of Charlotte mayor. The two candidates — Jennifer Roberts and Edwin Peacock — are presenting their stances on what each believes we need in out city needs before the Nov. 3 election. Through Charlotte's GenerationNation nonpartisan education-based mock election, students are able to cast their ballots for Charlotte and town, school board, and city and town councils.
My son, who is in first grade, recently ran for president of his class. I was a little thrown back about how to approach running for office with a first grader, or what it even meant to a first grader to run for class president. The goal of the exercise was to discuss leadership, and what makes a good leader. And so we did. Discussing good leadership skills is a good starting point for any parent who is discussing politics and elections with their children. And with all the talk of the 2016 presidential election out there, including the crazy amount of candidates, it is a good time anytime to discuss the what makes a good candidate for any office.
While the GenerationNation votes aren't official, they are counted and announced after voting ends Nov. 3. Throughout the process, students are learning civic literacy by reading and thinking critically about government, the candidates, the issues, and the community, and by getting ready to be involved in the democratic process as active citizens and leaders
Voting is happening at schools through Nov. 3. Ask your student if they've heard about it, or ask the teacher to found out how the class can participate. Online voting is also open through Nov. 3. Or visit a Kids Voting Site Saturday, Oct. 31 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. or Tues., Nov. 3, 3:30-7:30 p.m. where they can cast a ballot at the booth.
