On the third Monday in February, we celebrate Presidents’ Day, to recognize George Washington’s birthday, as well as all our presidents throughout history. The president is one of the most powerful people in American government. Do you know what they do and how we choose a president?
In theory, everyone over the age of 18 has one vote in the choice for the president, which happens every four years. There are rules that restrict some adults from voting and make the system a little more complicated (maybe you’ve heard of the electoral college, which isn’t a college at all, but a name for the way we assign and count votes in the United States).
Elections are important because they're a way that people make themselves heard and get to influence how the places they live are run. While you may not be old enough to vote in an American presidential election, everyone in the country can make their voices heard!
2024 is a presidential election year, which means now is a great time to learn more amount how our government works, and how you can use your voice to make the world a better place. Check out one of these great reads to get inspired.
The Walk: The main character in this book might not be older enough to vote yet, but she’s an important part of her grandmother’s community organizing. Join their walk through the neighborhood to let people know it’s time to vote and why it’s so important.
The Next President: Did you know that our next president is probably alive right now? When we think of the president, we think of grown-ups, but all the presidents were kids at point too. This book is a great representation of the timeline of presidents, both as kids and as adults, and might just inspire our next president to see themselves in the Oval Office.
Vote for Our Future!: There are many different places in the community where people go to vote (called polling places), including schools! At Stanton Elementary, the school is closed on election day so people can come in and vote, but that doesn’t mean the students can’t get involved.
So what do you think? How will you make your voice heard to celebrate Presidents’ Day this year?
Add a comment to: Kids, Make Your Voice Heard on Presidents’ Day!