Kids Voting 2010: Local Government Elections
In 2010 you and your class will be able to take part in the local government elections with Kids Voting. Students vote for real candidates, on a real ballot paper, and compare the results from the Kids election with the results of the real election.
Kids Voting supports teachers to deliver the existing curriculum in a fun and unique way. Kids Voting is designed to work with the Year Nine social studies curriculum so you can choose activities that are appropriate to your classes and requirements.
You will receive exact replicas of the ballot papers that adults in your area would receive so you can conduct an election in the week prior to the actual vote. You will also get a ballot box and background information to enhance the experience and learning outcomes. All materials are free.
Thousands of students across New Zealand have had their say with Kids Voting in previous years. Kids Voting ran in conjunction with the local government elections in 2007, parliamentary elections in 2008, and in 2009 students held an election or referendum on an issue of specific interest to them.
Just like Kids Voting in previous years, you choose the amount of preparation and classroom time allocated to Kids Voting. How much you cover will depend on how much time you have available. The basics of Kids Voting will take one to two sessions: voting and counting the vote. You can add to this as little or as much as you like. You can use the ideas in the Kids Voting teaching guide. You could cover subject material relevant to your vote. Or organize any other activities to assist your students to feel confident casting their vote.
We will send you a resource pack, including ballot box, when you register. This will include ideas and guidance for running your election or referendum, templates and ideas for possible topics.
Once again councils will be invited to take part and may be able to support you with your program. We will let you know if your council is taking part.
There is good evidence that programs which give students an experience of participating in democratic systems are likely to foster future participation and have a number of benefits for students and teachers including:
- giving students first hand experience of the electoral process and removing the fear factor
- increasing interest in politics by involving students in the democratic process
- providing opportunities for supporting activities that can contribute to the achievement of other curriculum objectives
- raising awareness of issues facing local communities and the nation as a whole.
Kids Voting is fun, it's free and it gives students an insight into what it's like to participate in the democratic process. So take part in 2010!
Teacher Registration Information
Before you register your school to participate in this year's Kids Voting you may wish to consider some of the following:
- Decide upon the class year(s) within your school that you would like to take part.
- Speak to colleagues whose classes will be taking part in the election or referendum and secure their support.
- Hold a preliminary planning meeting with all relevant teachers, and students who are keen to be involved to discuss feasibility, budget, time scale etc...
- Decide on the management arrangement for your event - who will take the lead on it? Identify one person to act as a key liaison person with the National Coordinator for Kids Voting and discuss how relevant information and updates will be disseminated to other colleagues and students e.g. through email or monthly planning meetings?
- Agree on the amount of time your school wishes to devote to preparing students for Kids Voting - including lesson time and other activities e.g. a meet the candidate's event. Factor this into the school curriculum now.