(Madison, Wis.)—With the presidential election just days away, the air is thick with political news and ads. It can be overwhelming for adults. And it’s certainly a lot for a child to take in.
Madison Children's Museum is providing a way to teach kids how democracy works by inviting them to vote in the museum. There are no politicians on the ballot, just choices with immediate appeal to kids, like... What breakfast cereal should be served in the Lunchbox cafe during Thursday night free hours? What theme day should the museum hold next year?
This fall, the museum has brought back its popular Polling Place exhibit, which is installed during all major elections to help kids learn about the electoral process. The exhibit is built around an actual voting carrel that served in the 2000 election. From Florida, it arrived with a number of stray chads littering the top (successfully punched, not hanging). As with all elections, write-in candidates are welcome. Voters must be under 18 — no photo ID is required!
MCM Roadshow, which provides activities for kids out in the community, has been collecting ballots via a mobile voting booth, sharing early civics lessons with even more Madison-area kids.
Early voting has been strong and steady, with over 550 ballots filled out so far.
"We don't care if they back corn flakes or if they're huge supporters of granola, we just want kids to come in and vote," says museum president & CEO Tom Linfield. He adds, "It's a chance to show kids that their vote matters; what they vote for will determine what they see in the museum in the coming months." The winning choices will roll out in the museum starting in January.
Museum officials are confident it will be a smooth election, with ballots tallied and winners announced by Wednesday morning.
