Yesterday was Election Day. In our little city and our state, that meant five ballot measures all having to do with raising taxes or funding in one way or another. It wasn’t terribly exciting and didn’t get voters all revved up and aggravated like some elections do. Still, as someone who has voted consistently since I first registered to vote after turning 18, I made my usual fuss about things and discussed the topics and ballot measures with my kids. We’ve even been known to read the voter pamphlets together as a family. They’ve grown used to it and they know that they are expected to have an inkling of what is going on so they can share their own insight and opinions.
I was raised in a family where voting was a big secret thing. My parents were from a different mind-set and they didn’t even talk about how they voted with each other, let along with their kids. They would often joke that their votes “cancelled each other out” but as a small child, I didn’t even know what that meant. It all seemed very mysterious and private. With my own small children, I actually took them into the voting booth with me and made a big deal out of going down to vote as a family. I wanted them to learn that it was a strong family value and that it was all about getting involved in the process—not whether you won, lost or were right or wrong. Over the years, I haven’t let up a bit!
Now that my eldest is nearly 18, she will be voting (I hope and expect) the next time Election Day rolls around. How exciting! The cool thing is that I’m not the slightest bit worried about whether or not my kids will be prepared to assume the responsibilities of voters at all. I feel confident that they understand the process and the importance of getting involved regardless of which side of the fence they eventually stand on. I feel confident that we have made voting a family affair.
Also: Teach Your children to Vote