Kids Voting Ohio: Voter Education for Civic Empowerment

Kids Voting Ohio:

Voter Education for Civic Empowerment

BY MATINA BLISS

For democracy to thrive, informed and active young voters across all races, ethnicities, and ages are needed. However, in Ohio, we see the biggest turnout numbers in the white population over the age of 50. Younger voters, and in particular people of color in the 18–29 age group, have the lowest voter turnout rate with many unregistered to vote.

One way to address this inequity is by providing a strong civics curriculum to students throughout their educational career. Taking the uncertainty out of basic civic activities during the school years, allows for an easier transition into a civically engaged adult. Mock elections have proven to be successful in increasing the voter turnout rates in younger populations. A 2009 study on civics education in Vermont found that 96 % of students who participated in at least one mock election reported planning to vote in upcoming presidential elections, compared with 78 % of students who did not participate. The numbers are similar for state elections: More than 90% of students who participated in at least one mock election reported planning to vote in a state election, compared with 70% of students who did not participate in mock elections.

KVO exists to promote the citizen engagement of Ohio youth through a free, nonpartisan voter and civics education program for students grades 3-12. KVO offers completely free programs to schools and educators, including mock elections.

The KVO Mock Elections are interactive, exciting, and provide a wealth of knowledge around informed voting. KVO recognizes that many teachers are over-worked and are often unable to bring additional activities and subjects to their classroom that fall outside subject standards and requirements. With this in mind, participating in KVO mock elections is simple and requires little to no extra work for teachers. KVO staff customize all the ballots, create voter IDs for students, provides all the curriculum and information necessary for mock election prep, and provides participating schools with “Future Ohio Voter” stickers.

Voter registration drives are also critical for those students 18 and older. Unfortunately, voter registration among 18-19 year olds is on the decline in Ohio. According to a 2020 study done by Tufts University CIRCLE, voter registration lagged in 2020 in comparison to 2016. There was a 18% drop in voter registration among 18-19 age group. Additionally, according to a 2014 Pew Research Survey, 62% of unregistered voters and 61% of registered voters have never been asked to register to vote.

When students are given the opportunity to explore civic participation like voting, becoming educated about your country, joining or supporting a political party, or volunteering, it breaks down the barriers of fear and intimidation. Civic education empowers students to be well-informed and active citizens, regardless of their age, race, or socioeconomic status.

Unlike many other states, a civics course is not required to graduate in Ohio. Although the Ohio Social Studies Model Curriculum includes civics learning standards from 3rd grade through 8th grade, and again in American Government, these requirements do not provide a pathway to informed voter engagement. How can we expect young people to be engaged in our democratic processes if they are never provided the tools and resources necessary to participate?

Programs like Kids Voting Ohio (KVO) create voter habits and voting engagement that are necessary here in Ohio. Nationwide studies show that schools have failed to prepare students to vote as adults, particularly black and brown students. Activities like mock elections and voter registration drives, create and build voting habits, inform future voters, and prepares students to be active and engaged citizens in our democracy. With the barriers to voting in all parts of the country, providing students with these critical resources can also equip their parents to participate.

The primary purpose of the KVO Voter Registration Drive is to address the low voter registration rates and voter turnout of Ohio’s youngest voters by registering high school students over 18 across the state. Going to the schools directly to register voters while providing them with clear voting information and instruction, reduces barriers to voting, increases their likelihood of participating in future elections and emphasizes the importance of this critical civic duty. While registration is just the first step to voting, it is necessary to increase voter turnout rates in Ohio.

According to the American Bar Association, people with disabilities have been less likely than the general population to vote in past elections. KVO works with Disability Rights Ohio (DRO) to ensure students with disabilities have equal access to voter registration and receive information on their voting rights. Kids Voting Ohio has resources specifically for voters with disabilities to ensure they have access to accurate voting and election information and know their rights and what laws protect them when it comes to voting.

KVO is committed to creating lifelong voting habits in children by providing students with critical voter education, government function education, and all the resources necessary for informed civic engagement. With student events and experiences brought to the schools, KVO can help to create a pathway for informed civic engagement. As a nonprofit organization, schools and educators have access to the free, yet robust, KVO resources that engage students with a social studies standards-aligned curriculum. Together, KVO and school districts can encourage and empower students to participate in their civic responsibilities as United States citizens.

Matina Bliss is the program director for Kids Voting Ohio, a free nonpartisan voter and civics education program for Ohio students grades 3-12. Kids Voting Ohio offers completely free programs to schools and educators including mock elections, social studies standards-aligned curriculum, student scholarships, teacher training sessions, opportunities for student events and experiences, and resources for educators, students, and community members. For more information, visit www. 4 kidsvotingohio.org. 5 6