Volunteers needed for ‘Kids Voting Edina’

This November, Edina students of all ages will be invited to accompany their parents to the polls to vote for the political candidates of their choice, thanks to an exciting voting initiative called, “Kids Voting Edina.” Volunteers are needed on Election Day (Nov. 6) to assist with the setup of Kids Voting Polls, count votes, collect ballets and help guide kids through the election process. Volunteers will be asked to work a 2 ½ hour shift on election night (3:45 - 6:15 p.m. or 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.) with one or two additional volunteers.

Kids Voting Edina is a joint effort of Edina Public Schools and the City of Edina with help from sponsorship from the Edina Education Fund, the Edina Community Foundation, the League of Women Voters Edina, and the Edina Chamber of Commerce.  The program is intended to promote the importance of voting and civic awareness among students.  In the weeks leading up to the election, Edina K-9 teachers will focus on preparing students for the polls and classrooms will be abuzz with hands-on activities and critical thinking lessons that will teach students the democratic process. Students in grades K-12 will then be invited to accompany their parent or guardian to Edina polling sites on election night between 4 and 8 p.m., where students will vote for the same candidates and issues as adults. Though not part of the official results, student votes will be tallied and reported at schools and by the media.

By guiding students through the real-life voting process, Kids Voting Edina hopes to generate an enthusiasm for voting and civic engagement that will extend well into adulthood. According to research, communities that have participated in Kids Voting projects have increased overall voter turnout by 3 to 5 percent, with the 18-24 year old voter turnout increasing up to 14 percent.

There will also be a poll set up exclusively for Edina High School students on November 6 from 7:00 - 8:25 a.m. at the Edina High School. 

Interested volunteers are required to attend one of two training sessions held on Monday, October 29 or Tuesday, October 30 in at the Edina Community Center, Room 351, from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Please contact Connecting with Kids Executive Director, Heather Haen Anderson, at info@connectingwithkidsedina.org to reserve your place as a volunteer.