Civics education currently suffers from malnutrition, and we need to restore its health….

Proper civics education is a key ingredient to our country’s future. We need educated citizens if we want to continue to live in a democratic society that cherishes and protects life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

MN Supreme Cot Justice Paul Anderson

Kids Voting USA Brings Civic Skills to Life

• Students learn the importance of voting and being involved

• Develop skills needed to be informed, participating citizens

….one of the biggest changes in politics is that delusional thinking is no longer marginal.

Ignorance of civics permits delusional thinking to migrate into the mainstream and cloak itself with credibility;

but, civics can confine it to the margins of society where it belongs. That is why the best antidote for delusional thinking is civics education.

MN Supreme Court Justice Paul Anderson

Kids Voting USA Brings Civic Skills to Life

• Learn how to have a voice in the decision-making process

• Voter turnout for 18-year-old KVUSA participants is 6 percentage points higher(Office of Kansas Secretary of State &

Dr. Diana Carlin, University of Kansas)

Kids Voting USA Increases Adult Voter Turnout

• 3% - 5% increase in adult voting(Dr. Bruce Merrill, Arizona State University)

• Kids impact their parents through the “trickle up” effect(Dr. Stephen R. Chaffee, Stanford University)

In 1994, Kids Voting Minnesota began in Duluth, Minnesota.

In the 2004 Presidential Election, Duluth, MN had the highest voter turnout in the entire nation (92.5%)

Kids Voting USA is Unique – Students “Learn by Doing”

• Participate in an authentic voting experience using a ballot that replicates the adult ballot

• Learn about citizenship and democracy at an early age

• Lessons are reinforced several times before turning 18

Students Learn Life Skills

• Learn to gather and analyze information to make well-informed decisions

• Develop critical-thinking skills

• Experience a variety of opinions and ideas

Family Interaction is Enhanced

• Students are motivated to start political discussions at home

• Builds an increased sense of empowerment and self-esteem

• Voting and civic participation become a family affair

Kids Voting USA Connects the Classroom, Family & Community

• Partnerships are critical to program success

• Everyone can play a role in preparing tomorrow’s citizens

Kids Voting USA is a National Organization

• 52 affiliate programs in 27 states + the District of Columbia

• 4 million students

• In 2008, 1,800,000 ballots were cast

Kids Voting USA is a Nonpartisan Organization

• Not aligned with a specific political party or position

• Not financed by political parties

Kids Voting USA is a Nonprofit Organization

Kids Voting Minnesota Sponsors

Minnesota PowerState Farm Insurance Companies

Data Recognition Corporation

Best Buy Children’s Fund

Target Corporation

West Publishing

Kids Voting Minnesota:

Empowering a new generation of Voters