November 03, 2016
Why you need to start talking to your children about voting now
We have a serious voting issue in this country. Only about 50% of Americans voted in the 2012 presidential election, and American voter turnout is woefully far behind that of other developed nations, landing at a devastating 31 out of 35 according the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Voting is an incredible right. A powerful privilege. One that many citizens of countries across the globe do not possess. As Americans we have fought for this right time and time again, including for black individuals and women — both of whom were not automatically granted the right to vote.
That only half of our country exercises this right, especially in an election as charged and contentious as this one, is hard to stomach. And that’s why we need to start conditioning our children now. We need to educate them what it means to vote, we need to talk to them about why we vote and why it is so vital that they do once they’re of age as well. And most of all, we need to SHOW them what it looks like to vote. If we do it right, our children, once they turn 18, should be excited to exercise this right. They shouldn’t even consider NOT voting. This is important, and it’s up to us to teach and show them how to do the right thing, because no one else is going to. And the future of our country, as well as the safety of its citizens (our children included!) depends on it.
You don’t need to be a super politico to teach your kids about voting. But you do need to make it a point of conversation as well as an expectation once they are of voting age. Bring your child to the polls with you, vote WITH your child if they’re of age. Talk about what it means to vote, give them a space to ask questions about the process and why it’s so important they’re apart of it. And this isn’t just about the presidential election either! Local elections are JUST as important. They drive the health and safety of our local communities, and everyone should feel empowered to contribute and share their voice in the place they call home.
So many people believe that their vote doesn’t count, and so many of those individuals (women, minorities, families, same-sex couples, adoptive families, anyone who may ever need healthcare, etc.) have fundamental needs on the line that are directly impacted by voting.
The bottom line is that this is everyone’s responsibility. There is no child or human in this country immune from the effects of voting. Habits begin early. Please, especially this year, making voting a habit your family is proud to take part of. Start them young. Vote.
