During this election season, Durham’s 4-H Teen Council and Juntos members brought their civic spirit downtown to the farmer’s market pavilion! What better way to celebrate being engaged citizens than to host our annual election day celebration with Kids Voting Durham? From face painting to selfie booths, button making and wish trees, this crew rolled out the red carpet for local classrooms and families to participate in elections in a fun and memorable way, while building their civic skills and knowledge.

Nearly 300 young people from kindergarten through high school cast their ballots at our election celebration. Some came as classes from local elementary schools while others visited during recess or while school was out with parents and neighbors. While voting, kids had the chance to read the election guide created by Kids Voting youth leaders. This guide explains how our government works, why their vote matters, and includes non-partisan information through interviews with candidates. After voting, kids got to make an ‘I voted’ button and paint faces with patriotic red, white and blue. It’s no surprise that everyone loved the wish tree, where young people had the opportunity to write and wish something for their community. Some highlights from this year’s wish tree included:

•  “I wish for Durham to be carbon free”
• “I wish for people in my community to feel heard & valued”
• “I wish for more sidewalks”
• “I wish that the homeless had a place to eat for the holidays.”
• “I wish this world has less war and more love”
• “I wish for more green spaces"

Why does Durham 4-H host an election day celebration anyways? We believe that getting excited about using your voice and voting starts early! Why wait to learn about your government once you turn 18? Thanks to Kids Voting, Durham’s young people are encouraging the adults in their life to vote and telling them the issues that matter most to them. Durham wasn’t the only county 4-H program to encourage young people to vote this year. Counties in every NC district hosted elections at libraries, schools, community centers, churches and more. You can check out how all the counties across NC voted!

Interested in hosting an election day celebration next year? Email ckreuger@dconc.gov.