Chatham County is sparking a democratic flame early by inviting families with youngsters to participate in the Kids Voting events, an initiative aimed at teaching children and teens about the ins and outs of the electoral process. This non-partisan effort is far from child's play; it's a real-life civics class brought to you by NC Cooperative Extension and 4-H Youth Development. Wrapped up in crafts and interactive activities, the program aims to turn the youth of today into the informed voters of tomorrow. The trio of events are open to the public—no registration necessary—on October 28, 2024, at Chatham Community Library, October 30, 2024, at Wren Memorial Library, and November 1, 2024, at Goldston Public Library.
But don't think these are your run-of-the-mill school field trips. We're talking hands-on engagement that will really encourage young minds to wrap their heads around civic duties. According to a Chatham County announcement, the library staff will provide educational tools and activities set to nurture the seeds of "civic skills, knowledge, and identity" in Chatham’s youth. The agenda includes taking kids through the motions of a mock election, arguably the closest thing to standing in a booth and punching a real ballot—at least for awhile.
What is perhaps most unique about this program is its focus on family engagement and youth voice. The Kids Voting Chatham initiative aims to build strong civic identities in kids before they can legally vote, helping young residents of Chatham County feel empowered and responsible. The self-guided activities will be open to everyone and will include various fun and informative exercises to help younger audiences understand civic engagement better.
Those interested in learning more about the Kids Voting kick-off or other youth-centric library events in Chatham County can directly engage with youth services for their burning questions. By reaching out to [email protected], parents can get all the details they need to ensure their youngsters don't miss out on these potentially future-shaping experiences.
