I remember the Dukakis vs. Bush election of ’88… It is so vivid in my mind–I was able to get the entire school bus of fourth and fifth graders to vote for my guy! I learned to persuade, educate and stimulate the minds of my fellow elementary age friends. You see, we voted for the next President at my little ole elementary school located in rural Florida. And that memory has stuck with me! I have never, ever missed a single opportunity to vote these past [insert number here] years.

Get your kids involved in what’s going on today in our elections! Have them read the paper, listen to talk radio and watch news clips. Let them form their own opinion on the “best candidate.” You can also teach them about the importance of government, the role of government and the history of democracy!

Here are some book suggestions to encourage your children to be life-long voters!

Voting in Elections by Terri DeGezelle: A look at U.S. democracy and how voting works.

Election Connection: The Official Nick Guide to Electing the President by Susan Ring: A fun book (created by Nickelodeon) that explains everything and anything surrounding an election!

And, of course, some great internet sites:

http://www.kidsvotingusa.org/

Inside the Voting Booth by PBS

Election Process from Ben’s Guide

http://scriptorium.lib.duke.edu/americavotes/ This is neat! This site illustrates the nation’s presidential elections in letters, sheet music, leaflets, buttons, and bumper stickers!

Rock on!!