Kids gain insights into voting process

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In an effort to build a strong generation of voters for the future, Alexandria School District 206 is sponsoring Kids Voting Minnesota activities in order to provide area students with a chance to vote in the general election on November 4.

The Kids Voting program is based on a national non-profit, non-partisan organization that teaches students about the concept of citizenship, civic responsibility, democracy and the importance of political participation. Alexandria School District 206 schools, along with St. Mary’s and Zion, are participating again this year.

In the time leading up to the election, Alexandria School District 206 teachers will focus on preparing students in grades 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 12 for the polls through classroom activities and critical thinking lessons that will educate them on the voting process.

Students are then invited to accompany their parents or guardian to the polls on Election Day to participate in the hands-on voting experience, with the exception of students in grade 12 at Jefferson Senior High who will be voting at their school.

Although student ballots will not be part of the official results, their votes will be tallied and reported at schools and shared with the media.

The Kids Voting November 4 ballot will include the elections below. Students will be instructed to vote only in the races pertinent to their home precinct.

President/vice president

U.S. senator

U.S. representative, Congressional District 7

State representative, District 11A and 11B

Mayor, city of Alexandria

Douglas County commissioner, District 1 and 3

Minnesota constitutional question (Clean Water, Wildlife, Cultural Heritage and Natural Areas)

Kids Voting Alexandria needs community support to be successful.

Anyone interested in helping local youth gain an understanding of the importance of voting or wanting to make a donation, may call Ruth Turner, District 206 volunteer coordinator, at (320) 762-5397 or Julie Critz, District 206 director of teaching and learning, at (320) 762-7705.

Tags: kids, voting, process