Tots get in on electoral action

Nov 04 2008, Written by Naureen Khan in election 2008,News, 0 Comments

A demographic not usually targeted by the campaigns was nevertheless spotted getting in on the election action at the Watts Street Elementary School voting site for Precinct 2 this morning.

As part of Kids Voting USA, set up by the NC Cooperative Extension, children forced to tag along with their parents had the chance to cast their own vote.

“I’m voting for Obama because my mom voted for him,” said Lucy Kraus, 6, who was manning the site with her mom Katherine.

“And my dad,” she added as an afterthought.

While adults shuffled quietly toward the real voting booth, the Kids Voting site buzzed with activity. Kraus and her mom cheered each time a new KidVote was tallied.

And there were stickers. Lots of stickers.

But Kids Voting organizers said the program is about more than keeping kids from getting bored while their parents vote. Underage politicos have their own role to play in today’s events.

“My kindergartner is talking about the issues on the playground,” said director of Kids Voting Carolyn Kreuger. “When kids get excited about voting, they get their parents excited.”

Ryan Brown contributed to this entry.