Entry FeedEvery time I vote, I bring the kids.
I am a pretty secret voter (no comments here on the election yesterday in Toronto) but I think it is important for my children to understand that we are lucky to live in a democratic society, and we need to exercise our right to vote.
My 8-year-old easily understands the role of mayor, and after a discussion those of the coucillors and even the school trustee. He also understands that he has 10 years before he can vote. The younger two understand that the "mayor is in charge of the city" with the help of the coucillors, but really they both just want to be mayors and run Toronto.
The polling station was close and in a home for the elderly, so up we walked after school. The seniors were all clustered around the front entrance, greeting all voters with smiles and waves. My children are always friendly, and a got a kick out of being asked over and over again if they were voting. Daughter even tried to hand in a folded piece of construction paper as I handed in my ID and voters card.
Unfortunately, while talking about voting, democracy, "running for office", Mayors, candidates, councillors, trustees, etc. I neglected to mention that most people like to keep their votes PRIVATE! So while I connecting the arrow behind a little cardboard screen (and the kids were recapping the sharpies wondering aloud why the voters didn't recap their own) Son One was reading over my shoulder.
Yes, thrilled that the kids can read. What a mile stone, rah rah! HOWEVER - darn it! - weren't those days easier when you could just spell out "S-A-N-T-A" or "T-R-E-A-T"?
Never mind Son One announcing to the entire poll, "Hey! You voted for .....!"