"Are You Raising a Future Voter?

[GreenPartyVoter]

When Peggy Carlson votes in Fairbanks, Alaska on November 7, her teenagers, Brenna, 17, and Erik, 13, will go with her. The kids have "voted" in every election since they were toddlers -- with help from Kids Voting USA, an innovative program that puts student voting booths at polling places throughout the country.

Brenna can't wait to turn 18 next March when she gets to vote for real. "I'm excited to have a voice in what's going on," she says.

Brenna is not a typical teen. Young people are the least likely to vote of any age group -- only one in four votes regularly, according to a new survey by the University of Maryland.

A handful of school and community-based programs like Kids Voting USA are trying to change that.

http://www.parentsaction.org/news/what-matters-most-ezine-061026/index.cfm#item1

[atommom]

1. I am. My kids watch for political signs when we're out driving and yell

"Good sign! Yay!" "Bad sign! Boo!" "Why are they so many bad signs?"

I don't know where they get that...

[uppityperson]

2. I did, mine does.

Friends did not, their kids do not, even though they are of age. "never got around to registering", would rather just complain. Take your kids to vote, it does inspire them.

[Little Star]

3. I tell my grandchildren that only grownups can vote.

I've explained what voting means. They are small and I am hoping that by planting that seed, it will make them want to participate. You know how teens can't wait to do grownup things.

[seabeyond]

4. my kids are politically and socially aware. it is their responsibility

and obligation, living inthis nation of freedom to be informed. i do not tell them how to think, but i ALWAYS insist that they think. thankfully i have children that embrace thinking. maybe all would and mine arent so special,.... given the chance

they at least are hopeful, empowered..... not hopeless

[catabryna]

5. My kid has gone with me to vote...

many times. I now vote absentee, but he hears the campaign ads and will run around the house (he's 5) saying Yes on Prop 87 for more wind and solar power, and Yes on Prop 84, clean water! He stops dead in his tracks when he hears Bill Clinton or Al Gore speaking on the Prop 87 issue here in California. For whatever reason, he is strongly drawn to their voices... smart boy! :)

[AnneD]

6. I think I have...

been dragging her to the polls and campaign headquarters for most of her life. I am now an official voter registrar. I told her I would be registering her when she turns 18. It will be a proud day for me. I have always impressed to her that it was both a privilidge and a responsibility to vote. She was never one for history and when I would rant about certain leaders short comings-she would :eyes:, but oddly enough, after watching the movie National Treasure (hey anything that sparks an interest), going to Camp Casey last year, and seeing Katrina, she understands what our founding fathers hoped to achieve and how the leaders we choose have a direct impact on our lives. Hope she remembers the message.