Table of Contents
Elections for Kids: Teaching the Power of Voting from Kindergarten to High School
At Forest Trail Academy, we believe that educating the next generation goes beyond math, science, and reading—it’s also about nurturing responsible, informed, and engaged citizens. That’s why teaching elections for kids is such an important part of the K–12 journey.
Whether your child is just starting out in our online kindergarten curriculum or preparing for graduation through our online high school, understanding how elections work and why voting is important can shape their values for life.
In this post, we’ll explore how to introduce the concept of voting for kids, break down the importance of civic engagement in age-appropriate ways, and share 10 reasons why voting is important—even for students who aren’t old enough to vote yet.
Why Teach Elections to Kids?
Even though children can’t vote until they’re 18, learning about elections early helps them develop a sense of civic responsibility, critical thinking, and confidence in their ability to influence the world.
In a self-paced environment like Forest Trail Academy—where students are empowered to take charge of their education—civic education fits naturally. From class elections in elementary grades to analyzing current events in high school, students learn that democracy works best when everyone participates.
What Are Elections? A Kid-Friendly Explanation
An election is how people in a community, city, state, or country choose their leaders and make decisions. In the U.S., elections are held for everything from student council presidents to the President of the United States.
When you vote in an election, you’re helping to choose someone who will make decisions that affect your school, your town, and your country. You’re using your voice to help shape the future.
At Forest Trail Academy, we encourage students of all ages to explore what it means to make choices, share opinions, and understand different perspectives—skills that go hand-in-hand with a strong civic education.
Voting for Kids: How to Make It Relatable
Even the youngest learners in our online elementary school can begin to understand voting for kids through fun, interactive lessons. Here are a few ways to engage different age groups:
Kindergarten to 2nd Grade:
- Classroom votes: Let students vote on what book to read or what snack to have.
- Role-play elections: Create pretend ballots and candidates (e.g., favorite animals or story characters).
- Simple definitions: Use visuals and stories to explain the terms “vote,” “candidate,” and “election.”
3rd to 5th Grade:
- Mock elections: Organize an election for student leaders or favorite projects.
- Research candidates: Have students compare “platforms” on fun topics like lunch menus or field trips.
- Discussion starters: Talk about fairness, choices, and respecting different opinions.
These early activities build a strong foundation for future lessons in our online middle school and high school curriculum.
Elections for Kids in Middle & High School
Older students—especially those in grades 6 through 12—are ready to explore elections on a deeper level. Our curriculum at Forest Trail Academy supports civic learning through U.S. history, government, and current events.
Here are a few ways we incorporate elections for kids in middle and high school:
Middle School (Grades 6–8):
- Study the history of voting rights in the U.S.
- Explore how the Electoral College works
- Compare voting laws in different states
- Debate current issues respectfully
High School (Grades 9–12):
- Analyze presidential campaigns and political ads
- Understand how laws are passed through representative democracy
- Learn about civic activism and how young people can influence change
- Take part in student-led discussions and mock debates
Our 9th–12th grade curriculum, including advanced placement courses, allows students to go beyond memorizing facts—they gain the tools to think critically, engage thoughtfully, and prepare for real-world participation.
Why Is Voting Important? A Message for Young Learners
So, why is voting important? Kids might think, “I’m not old enough to vote, so why should I care?” But even before they reach voting age, they can learn the value of civic engagement.
Here’s how to explain the importance of voting to students:
- Voting gives everyone a voice.
- Voting helps people choose leaders who represent their needs.
- Voting makes sure that different opinions are heard.
- Voting changes laws and makes new ones.
- Voting is a way to stand up for what you believe in.
10 Reasons Why Voting Is Important (Kid-Friendly Edition)
Let’s break it down for students of all ages. Here are 10 reasons why voting is important, presented in a way kids and teens can relate to:
- It gives you a say in how things are run (like your town, school, or country).
- It helps choose leaders who listen to you.
- It lets you stand up for what you believe in.
- It changes things you care about—like the environment, education, or safety.
- It honors the people who fought for the right to vote.
- It helps make the future better—for you and your family.
- It shows that every person’s voice matters.
- It helps keep the government fair and balanced.
- It teaches you to make smart choices.
- It reminds us that we’re all part of a community.
Even though students under 18 can’t vote in official elections, they can take part in school elections, community service, and civic conversations that build the skills they’ll use for life.
Fun Activities to Teach Voting to Kids
Here are a few activities to make civic learning interactive:
- Host a school-wide mock election at Forest Trail Academy
- Create campaign posters and speeches for pretend candidates
- Debate classroom rules and vote on changes
- Watch age-appropriate videos about how elections work
- Track real-time elections and predict outcomes
Whether your student is learning from our 1st grade curriculum or diving into civics in 11th grade, these activities bring democracy to life.
The Role of Families in Civic Education
At Forest Trail Academy, we recognize that parents play a vital role in supporting civic learning at home. Here are a few ways you can help reinforce the importance of elections:
- Talk about local and national elections together.
- Take your child with you to vote (if allowed in your area).
- Watch debates and discuss different viewpoints.
- Read books or watch documentaries about democracy and civil rights.
- Encourage respectful conversations about issues your child cares about.
Whether you follow a secular homeschool curriculum or a Christian homeschool curriculum, civic values can be explored in alignment with your family’s beliefs and values.
Voting Is More Than a Right—It’s a Responsibility
When students understand that voting isn’t just a right, but a responsibility, they begin to see themselves as future change-makers.
At Forest Trail Academy, our students aren’t just preparing for college or careers—they’re preparing to be leaders, innovators, and citizens of a rapidly evolving world.
Teaching elections for kids is one way we empower them to take ownership of their future.
Got Questions About Our Online School?
Let us know if you have any questions about online schooling. We’re here to assist you!
Call us at 561-537-5501
Email: support@foresttrailacademy.com
Submit an inquiry to our admissions team
From online kindergarten to 12th grade curriculum, Forest Trail Academy offers flexible, self-paced programs that nurture academic excellence and real-world readiness—including civic engagement.
Raising Voters, One Lesson at a Time
Teaching voting for kids isn’t about politics—it’s about preparing students to think critically, speak up respectfully, and care deeply about their communities. Whether they’re voting for the next class snack or learning about the U.S. Constitution, each experience builds toward responsible citizenship.
At Forest Trail Academy, we believe in empowering students with knowledge, values, and vision. Because when they learn why voting is important, they learn how to shape their world—starting today.
