Teaching kids about the importance of voting can help plant the seeds for a lifetime of voter engagement. Here are some activities you can do together to make an impact while building confidence and skills for the future.
Grow a Good Citizen: Every Voice, Every Vote
Download our free Grow a Good Citizen: Every Voice, Every Vote activity book for kids ages 5-12, crafted with content from Highlights Magazine. It's packed with inspiring short stories, engaging games, and mind-teasing puzzles that educate and inspire action around voting and democracy, to help make sure everyone's voice is heard.
Read Together
Children’s books build empathy and help kids learn. As you read together, discuss the story and ask your child questions about what you’re reading.
Here are some great books about voting:
- I Voted by Mark Shulman and Serge Bloch
- Vote for Our Future by Margaret McNamara and Micah Player
- A Vote is a Powerful Thing by Catherine Stier and Courtney Dawson
Possible discussion questions as you read the books together: “Do you think voting is important?” “How do you think we can help other people learn about voting?” “Do you want to vote with me?” “What do you think we should do to help?” “Do you have any questions?"
PJ Library also has a list of books to read with your budding activist you may want to check out.
Gather Friends and Neighbors Together
Children of all ages can color this printable sign to hang up in a window of your home.
Host a playdate to decorate signs together and talk about why voting is important to you. Here are some additional playdate activities:
- Set out a bowl of assorted coins* and small ramekins on a tray. Use the same number of ramekins as there are types of coin. Invite kids to sort the coins. Talk about the accomplishments of the presidents shown on each coin. (*Choking hazard – not toddler- or baby-friendly)
- Set up a voting activity based on the interests of the kids you invite. Taste test multiple snacks and vote on your favorite, read a few picture books and vote on your favorite, or vote on your favorite superhero character.
- Inspired by the book “What Pet Should I Get” by Dr. Seuss, ask everyone present what pet they would most like to have. Create artwork of each pet or one group collage.
Get Out the Vote (GOTV) Together
Why do we need to “Get Out The Vote”?!
The answer is simple. Many eligible, registered voters don’t actually vote! “Getting out the vote” increases your impact on elections by encouraging others to vote too.
There are many ways you and your children can get involved and help get out the vote on or before election day. Whether you prefer making phone calls to encourage people to vote, sending text messages, going door-to-door to remind people to vote, or sending postcards, letters, and emails to share the importance of voting, there’s something for everyone.
Ready to help? You can join an organization or campaign on your own or you can join our effort.
Further Increase Your Impact
Use Social Media to Raise Awareness
Post a selfie of you decorating signs or mailing postcards together and tag with #growagoodcitizen
Connect with Organizations Doing Voter Engagement
The Reform Jewish Movement’s Every Voice, Every Vote campaign is a nonpartisan effort, grounded in our Jewish values and commitment to racial justice, to strengthen our democracy by encouraging and protecting voter participation.
Learn More About Judaism’s Commitment to Advocating for Justice
For more than six decades, the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (the RAC) has worked to educate, inspire, and mobilize the Reform Jewish community to advocate for social justice.
The Reform movement operates 14 overnight camps across North America that provide a summer of fun while also helping instill the important values needed to be a good citizen. Find a camp near you.
Explore the proud tradition of social justice activism by the Reform Movement and where we stand today on contemporary concerns like civic engagement and anti-racism in one of our adult learning classes.