Voting was a family affair on Tuesday. My kids had no choice. My boys are 12, 10 and 9 and we all agreed that we were going to wake up a little early in order to experience voting together in this election. Alarms went off far too early, backpacks were packed and off we went to the polls. It was a cold morning in Massachusetts so we were well armed with hats and gloves, ready to stand outside if we had to. Thankfully there weren’t many groans or complaints and overall they were pretty into it.
The ten minute drive to the voting booth was filled with questions, comments and a lot of election discussion. We talked about the process, the candidates and what’s at stake. It wasn’t the first time we’ve had election discussions, but it all seemed to come out fast and furiously in the backseat of the car at 7 am.
With the number of cars circling and attempting to find parking I was shocked when we finally went inside and there wasn’t a line to vote. We walked in, checked in and were handed a ballot and marker.
We were then escorted into our private voting booth. Two of my sons went into the booth with my husband and my oldest went in with me. We stood there for a very long time going over each of the options. I handed over the marker and let him have the honor of filling in the circles. He filled in each circle very meticulously, careful not to make a mistake. When it was time to hand over the completed ballots all three were eager to help out.
I love how they submitted this ballot together.
Was it worth it?
In my book-absolutely. Even though my kids clearly haven’t formed their own political opinions (they tend to spew out our beliefs and support our candidates), observing and participating in the process will hopefully create at the very least a memory. Who knows if it will instill a feeling of civic responsibility in the future? They’ll have to make their own choices in a few years.
Truthfully my kids were most interested in the bake sale outside the school. Right now I think that’s what they’ll remember and I’m OK with that.
Did you take your kids with you to vote?
photo credit: Lower Columbia College via photopin cc
In honor of Wordless Wednesday I’ve linked up with Better in Bulk, I Thought I Knew Mama, Dagmar’s Momsense, The Progressive Parent, Live and Love Out Loud, Project Alicia.
I took my two year old with me and she loved pressing the big red button for our final decision.
I think that is one of the first times I have seen close up pictures of your boys! So handsome! And what a great idea to introduce them to politics! 🙂
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I know Stephanie. I rarely post pics of them-especially close up. We had a long talk and they were cool with their photos going public. I loved taking them to vote yesterday.
Wish we had a big red button Becky. Our system seems pretty antiquated. We use a marker and paper! Good for you for taking your two your old along with you!
This is awesome!
We do absentee balloting here in WA but my daughter and I have been talking since January about the issues. She sat with me while I filled out the ballot and was right there with me watching results.
She was excited to live in a state where hate is losing!
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I took my 3 as well. They didn’t have a choice since they have the day off from school on presidential election years. No line for us either, which was a blessing considering I wasn’t prepared for them to be bored waiting! I wish I had taken them to the booth with me. I sort of thought they couldn’t come anywhere near me while voting and I didn’t want to invalidate my ballot 😉 I’ll know next time!
I couldn’t help but notice how much paper is used in this process!
Kristina (The Greening of Westford) recently posted..Thieves Oil Concentrate: What a Steal!
What an awesome experience for them! I have been trying to explain to my older two that I think it is important for them to develop their own beliefs as they get older and not just go with what others around them (including their parents) believe.
I love that you, and others, brought their children. And isn’t it great that the rules allow them to go in with you … I remember a time when that wasn’t allowed. 🙂 This year more than ever, with all the factions trying to prevent people from voting, it’s especially important to value the right & privilege we have … and by getting your kids involved, they will learn early that it’s something special.
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I think it’s great that you took them along. It’s great for them to see the process and show its importance!
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