Why Kids Voting Denver?

 “Democracy is hard!  It takes the participation of everyone”

President of the Czech Republic.

The cornerstone of democracy is the right to vote… and the act of voting.

Yet voter turnout is declining!  In 1960, 63% of the eligible voters voted. By 2000 that figure was down to 51%

The situation is even worse with young adults. 

In 2000, less than 1/3 of all 18-24 year olds were registered to vote…

and only a fraction of them actually voted. 

The reason seems to be that young adults often are not familiar

with the process… or they do not see importance of voting.

That’s where Kids Voting comes in.

KV Denver Mission/Goals/Objectives:

Kids Voting Denver has two goals: To educate students (grades K-12) about their civic opportunities and duties, their voting rights and responsibilities… and to increase adult voter turnout immediately.

Independent studies have shown that where kids are in KV programs, there is a 3% to 5% increase in adult voting.

What Is Kids Voting Denver?

Kids Voting Denver (KVD) is an Affiliate of Kids Voting Colorado (KVC).  KVC is part of a nation-wide program designed to increase civic participation in the electoral process. Kids Voting has a 15-year history of success in bringing hands-on, interactive civics lessons into kindergarten through high school classrooms and instilling a sense of responsibility for public participation and personal empowerment in our young people.

Kids Voting is a non-partisan, grassroots organization dedicated to preserving a tradition of civic involvement and voting by engaging families, schools and the community in the election process.  We introduce voting and civic involvement to students while they are young… and work toward our goal of creating educated, active citizens who fulfill their civic duty and vote.

Kids Voting employs two separate, but equally important means by which to reach this goal… education and the election.

The Kids Voting USA curricula teach students in kindergarten through 12th grades the principles of democratic living and the importance of citizen involvement in a democratic republic. Then at election time, students are given a “real life” opportunity to put those principles into action, and to be part of a positive voting experience.

Project Description:

At the heart of the Kids Voting program is its curricula, supplied to the schools at no cost. 

Through hands-on and thought-provoking Kids Voting activities, students learn about the rights, responsibilities and the privilege of citizenship.  The Kids Voting curricula are comprehensive, grade-specific, and seek to develop information-gathering skills in students, to aid in critical decision-making.

Kids Voting is like no other program in America.  This exciting citizenship education program provides opportunities for students to take the knowledge they’ve acquired in the classroom and apply it to personal hands-on experiences. 

On Election Day, students replicate the official voting process—voting on the same candidates and issues as do the adults. 

On Election Night, the Kids Voting election results are announced, along with the official results, and in Denver… the results are sent back to each school so they can compare their voting record against City, State and National voting patterns. 

By giving students a realistic voting experience, this hands-on program generates enthusiasm for democracy and builds habits of participation that will last a lifetime.

In Denver, the program serves a cross-section of ethnic groups, both boys and girls from kindergarten through 12^th grade.

Independent studies reflect that voter turnout for 18-year-old KV participants is 14% higher than for other 18 year olds!

Teachers from both DPS schools and independent schools undergo special KV training.  Then, typically during October, participating teachers register their students to enable them to vote in November.  Then, on Election Day, the registered students use a special kid-friendly Kids Voting ballot on which to cast their votes.  (Go to the bottom of this page to see a sample of the 2004 Kids Voting Denver ballot.)

All aspects of the Kids Voting Denver program are locally controlled by a volunteer Steering Committee that includes business people, civic leaders, teachers and other interested local citizens.

The Denver program currently works in conjunction with Kids Voting Affiliates in Grand Junction, Eagle, Glenwood Springs, Rifle, Parachute, Lake City, Montrose, Pagosa Springs, Pueblo, and Boulder. 

During 2004, Kids Voting Denver served about 20,000 Denver students, and 13,440 of them cast ballots. .

During 2005, between election cycles, Kids Voting Denver hopes to recruit local businesses to join the program as regular financial supporters or “partners,” to enable an on-going, long-term Denver program.

Financial Information:

Kids Voting Denver has no outstanding debts.  We operate on a strict pay-as-we-go basis.  KVD has no assets other than a limited quantity of election supplies.

As of January 1, 2005, KV Denver had a bank balance of $3,168.65 toward 2005 program expenses.  Budgets are adopted annually, depending upon anticipated activities and anticipated revenue sources.

The KVD financial control is the responsibility of the KVD Treasurer, with all checks requiring two signatures.  Historically, Kids Voting Denver has received most of its funding from private individuals and business gifts. 

Testimonials:

The following notes are from Denver teachers who used the Kids Voting program during 2004:

From Jane Paz, Teacher at McMeen Elementary:

“Working with the kids Voting materials has been an interesting experience.  I had no idea my students would be such thoughtful, deep thinkers!  I teach a first and second grade split, and this has really brought our classroom community together.

The most interesting reaction I have ever gotten out of my students came during the non-voter simulation activity.  They were absolutely outraged when they found out that they couldn't vote, or that there were real people in history who also didn't have the right to voice their opinion.

I love the artwork produced by the two on a crayon activity and the students have really begun to develop a sense of cooperation through participation in these activities.

So far we have taught ten of the Kids Voting activities, and every one delivered what it promised.  I am looking forward to our remaining activities, and my students are very excited about having the opportunity to vote on Election Day! 

Thank you for the opportunity to participate in such an exciting, productive project.  It has truly been a wonderful experience.”

From Jonathan Shaw, Teacher at Amesse Elementary:

“The kids at Amesse have enjoyed the Kids Voting curriculum a great deal.   I am the computer teacher, and have incorporated your lessons with technology.  We have had one rotation out of four and will have one more before our fall break. 

The kids that will not have computers before the election are doing the lessons in their homerooms.  It has been a great success so far. 

Thanks, Jon”

From Jennifer Hartman, Teacher at Carson Elementary:

"My students are loving the curriculum.  We're doing the KV Wish Tree because it ties in so well with their future goals/dreams.  I really love the Voter apathy experience, as well as the activity where only 1/2 of the class gets to vote, because it shows what happens when people don't get out there and vote.

I also really liked the Two Ballots project, because it shows the importance of being aware and knowing what you are voting for.  It was also just fun for the students to learn the history of voting (19th Amendment, etc.) My students are looking forward to casting their votes.  I teach 4^th and 5^th grades.”

From Katie Dollaghan, Teacher at Oakland Elementary: