Kids get to vote, too
Kindergarten pupils learn majority rules in class election
Indianapolis Star
By Diana Lamirand
October 3, 2008
A Kindergartners at Primrose School of West Clay elected Billy the Duck for president this week because he keeps his promises.
Eight of the 14 children thought that was a more admirable character trait than courage, represented by Billy's opponent Percy the Rooster.
After listening Wednesday morning to state Sen. Mike Delph, R-Carmel, read author Doreen Cronin's "Duck for President," the 5- and 6-year-olds participated in mock elections to select their favorite stuffed animal, and their favorite snack. Pretzels with cheese defeated bananas and yogurt in the snack category, also with an 8-6 vote.
"It was a close one," said Delph, who served as a poll watcher as the students cast their ballots.
"The kids really had fun with it," said Julie Bowman, franchise owner of the school at 13096 Moultrie St., Carmel.
Primrose schools across the country created the special election to help teach children about the importance of voting and the nation's presidential election.
Each student had to show a special photo identification badge before signing the Voter Verification sheet and entering the voting booth to cast a ballot.
"I thought it was very ingenious that they decided to do a mock election, to bring down to their level of understanding of what is going on in the country," Delph said.
The students seemed to have the hardest time accepting the snack vote outcome, Bowman said.
"We just explained to them when you're voting, you have to go with who wins," Bowman said. "It's hard . . . but that's why you get to vote."
Delph said he found a parallel between the young children's vote and where the nation's voters seem to be on their choice between presidential candidates Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama.
"The biggest parallel was just how close the election was; they were pretty split on the snack," the senator said. "I think that's where the electorate is. . . . The country is very divided right now."