A. Kids Voting Minnesota is a grassroots, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to educating Minnesota youth about the rights, responsibilities and mechanics of participating in American democracy.
Q. Is Kids Voting Edina different than Kids Voting Minnesota?
A. Kids Voting Edina is a sub-segment of Kids Voting Minnesota and Kids Voting USA. Kids Voting Minnesota works with Minnesota schools and communities to create positive civic experiences for youth including the opportunity to learn about and vote in public elections.
Q. How will kids learn about the voting process?
A. Students in grades K-8 will learn about Kids Voting in civics class. In addition, Edina teachers have the option of using supportive curriculum provided by Kids Voting Minnesota.
Q. Where do the kids vote?
A. Kids vote at the same polling location as their parents in a separate space designated for Kids Voting Edina.
Q. When do kids vote?
A. Kids vote on Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 4) between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. This timeframe prevents Kids Voting from interfering with class time.
Q. How old do kids need to be to vote?
A. No child is too young to participate in Kids Voting; however, children should be accompanied by their parents or guardians.
Q. Is the Kids Voting Ballot limited to the presidential election?
A. The Kids Voting Edina ballot will include the presidential, congressional and some of the local races. However, judge elections may be eliminated due to lack of space.
Q. How do I know if my polling location is participating in Kids Voting Edina?
A. All polling locations within the Edina Public Schools district are participating in Kids Voting
Q. What if my child attends Edina Public Schools, but does not live in the Edina School district?
A. The Kids Voting Edina program is only offered at polling locations within the Edina Public Schools district. However, many cities have established their own Kids Voting programs. Check the Kids Voting Minnesota Web site to see if your city is a participant. Kids may also have the opportunity to vote “absentee.” Ask your child’s teacher if this option is available.
Q. Where can I find the Kids Voting election results?
A. While the votes are not part of the official election, the results of Kids Voting Edina will be posted on the City of Edina’s website and Edina Public Schools’ website. They will also be posted on Kids Voting Minnesota’s Web site and broadcast on EDINA 16.
Q. I would like to help. Do you need volunteers?
A. Yes! The Kids Voting Edina program has a great need for volunteers – especially the day of the election. As a volunteer, you may be asked to count votes, collect ballets or assist with setup. Former volunteers have found contributing their time to this effort to be extremely gratifying. Shifts run in two-hour intervals. Contribute as much or as little time as you would like. Contact Heather Haen Anderson for your assignment at 952-688-8081.
Q. Who do I contact if I have more questions?
A. Please contact Kids Voting Committee facilitator Julie Rogers Bascom with additional questions at 952-848-3957.