Johnson County kids can vote for themselves in the November election

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — In an effort to engage future voters, Johnson County has introduced a program designed to get kids involved this election season.

Children who go to a polling station with their parents will have the opportunity to vote alone.

While the questions on children’s ballots differ from their parents’, the goal is to spark interest in elections and teach children the importance of voting in our democracy.

Tim Hellhake

Questions on children’s ballots include favorite sports team, favorite superhero, and favorite food.

When asked their favorite sports teams, answers ranged from the Kansas City Chiefs to the game.

The kids had a lot to say when it came to their favorite food.

“Ice cream,” five-year-old Scarlett replied.

“Macaroni and cheese,” said six-year-old Silas.

When we asked four-year-old Leo, he couldn’t pick just one food to vote for. He said he was voting for all of them.

Tim Hellhake

“All?” I asked.

“Yeah, I like broccoli too,” Leo said. “I used to dislike it, but now I do.”

Children learn that their opinions can change, but they also understand what it means to vote.

Silas voted with his mother, Hannah Poindexter.

Hannah used the experience as a teaching moment.

“It’s just important that everyone gets out there and makes their voice heard and their vote,” she said.

Tim Hellhake

Fred Sherman, Johnson County’s election commissioner, said he remembers being curious about what exactly elections were about as a child.

He hopes the Kids Vote program will spark that same curiosity in these future voters.

“I think it’s important for kids to just be interested in the whole democratic and civic process of running an election and having citizens vote,” Sherman said.

Each child who casts their vote will receive a bag full of goodies, including a booklet with educational activities related to the election.

After election day, the results of the Children’s Vote will be posted on Johnson County Elections website.