It is the eve of Election Day 2012, and I am completely stressed out about the next 48 hours. This is an instance, however, where having children helps keep my sanity. I love involving them in the political process because I feel it is so very important to have them understand early on how the political process works in America, and how important it is to share their concerns, questions, ideas, and make sure their voice is heard by voting.
During the last Presidential election night in 2008, I made maps of the country for my son to color in as race results were called state by state: he colored in blue for Obama/Biden and red for McCain/Palin. This year, we plan to do the same, and I'm excited to have my daughter be old enough to participate and also start to learn the basics of our country's political process.
I designed a new free printable election coloring map for this year, and am delighted to share it with you. You can download my free printable USA Election Coloring Map and share it with your kids too (or print it out for yourself & friends too!)
Political discussion is very, very important to at our house. My son asks wonderful questions, and I love when my husband and I have the opportunity to share with him information about the process, the history, the candidates, the issues. I try to be neutral and also share with him both sides of any political issue/candidate race. But, I'm also very open with him about how I have voted and the rational behind my decisions.
I voted a couple of weeks ago when my vote-by-mail ballot arrived. Gotta love the vote-by-mail process in Oregon! It actually encourages voters to make more thoughtful decisions and also makes it so much easier for people to vote instead of facing the prospect of standing in line for hours in rain or snow.
If you are heading out to the polls tomorrow --and I hope you are if you have not had the chance to vote early -- thank you. Thank you for doing your patriotic duty in making your voice heard through your vote. Regardless of how you vote, please know that your vote will make a difference.
Do you discuss politics with your children? What are ways you involve your kids in the electoral process? Please share in the comments!
Click here to download the free printable USA Election Coloring Map.
If you decide to share a photo of you or your child coloring the map on Election night, please tag @UrbanBlissMedia on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
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Jessica says
I've seen some with the number of electoral votes on the states as well, so you can add them up once they are colored in. Good way to tie in some math by saying how many more votes are needed to get to 270. My kids are too young to be included in this election, but I can't wait to include them in the next one!
Sheila says
I love it but I can't get it to print. So sad.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Sorry to hear you are having trouble, Sheila! You need Adobe Acrobat (free download online at Adobe.com) to download the PDF to your desktop. If you can download it to your desktop, then you can print it.
M for Short says
This was a great activity for my 6 and 8 year old. We had a lot of Yays and Boos as we watched results come in (up until bedtime). Thanks for making it available to us. And yes, we do talk politics, giving them points of both candidates and why we personally support one of the candidates over the other. I've been wearing a t-shirt for a local hool board candidate I campaigned for the past few months. We are getting our girls involved early.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thanks, M! I love hearing how other parents involve their kids in the political discussion early.
Kadybug says
Thank you so much! My kids are going to love this!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Hope the kiddos enjoyed it!
Staci Cox says
Thank you so much for sharing - I just printed your map and this makes election night a true family affair. Great idea!!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Hope you all enjoyed it, Staci!
Kayla says
I am a teacher and have been teaching my children about the importance of voting. Next week we are holding our own campaign on a topic that
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Oh Kayla, looks like your comment got cut off, and I was so excited to hear what your campaign topic in your classroom is going to be!
Bee (@TheSpicyBee) says
Wow! Very cute idea! I especially like that now that I'm on the west coast and (hopefully) won't be up until midnight awaiting the results! That means lots of little ones won'd be either ;)
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thanks, Bee! It is nice having the election results on West Coast time, isn't it? :)
Macey Snelson says
What a great idea! I love that you're getting your kids involved in the political process so early! I'm sharing this with all my friends who have little ones!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thanks, Macey!
Jenni says
I love this... seriously such a great idea. I love oregon's mail voting process as well. I can really think/research/remind myself of the issues/politicians/etc. I don't know if I would be able to take the time to stand in line for an hour or more to vote as some of my friends in other states do!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thanks, Jenni! I do worry that the long lines will deter some people from voting in other states, but the images of people who are braving weather and taking time off of work to vote does warm my heart!
Krista Swan says
I LOVE THIS SO MUCH!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
That makes me happy! :) Thanks, Krista!
Heather says
What a great way to help teach kids good citizenship!!! Thank you for sharing with all of us!!
We filled in our ballots last night and the girls had lots of questions. I love Oregon's vote by mail system.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thanks so much, Heather! Hope your kids enjoy it!
I do so love our vote-by-mail system. Oregon rocks!
Happy Election Day Eve! :)