We are excited to announce our first big fall program this year, Kids Voting NC!
What is Kids Voting NC?
Kids Voting NC is a program curated by Durham County Cooperative Extension in a non-partisan effort to help youth understand and believe in the power they have as engaged citizens and informed voters.What is The Purpose of Kids Voting NC?
To help youth under the age of 18 understand and believe in the power they can have as engaged civic participants and informed voters. As our youth become more knowledgeable and engaged in the voting process, they often serve as catalysts within their own families and communities. Through their enthusiasm and commitment to civic participation, youth inspire adults to become more informed and engaged voters themselves. Across generations, we can make our communities, our country, and our world better.Why Should Our Kids Vote?
- INCREASED YOUTH VOTER TURNOUT -Youth who are exposed to voting in elections in elementary school are 40% more likely to vote as adults. Youth reach adulthood confident in their civic & voting skills
- INCREASED ADULT VOTER TURNOUT -Youth act as civic instigators; KVUSA research has shown 3-6% increase in adult voting in KV communities
- DEEPER YOUTH COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION-Youth gain knowledge, skills, and motivation to be more active civic participants in their communities
- EQUITABLE CIVIC OPPORTUNITIES-Kids Voting expands the number of youth who have access to civic engagement experiences & helps to close identified civic opportunity gaps for youth.
- HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES- Research shows that a community’s economic and physical health is often directly correlated with its civic health
What Elections Will Kids Voting NC Focus on?
This program will focus on all major elections occurring within Mecklenburg County.How will you teach about the voting process and the candidates?
Four workshops will showcase the different positions up for election, as well as show who is running for each position. The workshops are on pause currently, as we switch the delivery format.
When are the workshops?
Workshop 1: August 28th (virtual only)
Workshop 2: September 10th
Workshop 3: September 25th (virtual only)
Workshop 4: October 9th
All workshops will occur from 5:30-7:00pm on the days above, in-person at our office and also virtually via Zoom. Please sign up on Eventbrite.
When Will Voting Take Place?
The Kids Voting NC Mock Voting will occur at N.C. Cooperative Extension, Mecklenburg County Center on Thursday, October 23rd from 2:00-6:00pm and Saturday, October 25th from 10:00am-1:00pm. This is a drop in, nonpartisan event for youth of all ages.
Will They See The Results of The Election?
Yes! All results will be displayed on our county website on the final day of voting (November 4th), no later than 5:00 PM
Do I need to be a part of 4-H to participate?
You do not have to be a part of 4-H to participate in any of the sessions or vote on election day.
What if I can't attend all of the Workshops?
If you are unable to attend all of the workshops, you will have the opportunity to watch the recordings one day after each session. This allows those who couldn’t participate on the actual day to still learn about the positions and the candidates running for each role.
