N.C. Cooperative Extension, Durham County Center’s 4-H, Juntos, and Kids Voting programs came together on Election Day to rock the youth vote for Durham’s municipal elections! These three youth-focused organizations threw a bilingual Family Voting Celebration which saw participation of over 150 young people and their families who got hands-on voting experience which built civic skills and taught that voting and our democracy are something to celebrate! Adrienne Mauney, Durham 4-H agent, shared, "The bilingual Family Voting Celebration was an ideal way to get at the heart of some core 4-H values. In 4-H, we're always aiming to help encourage a civically-engaged next generation of leaders that represents Durham's diverse community."

4-H youth leaders helped children of all ages to learn about the Durham Mayor & City Council candidates through using the Kids Voting Election Guide. They encouraged participants to use this information to cast an informed Kids Voting ballot where they voted on the same offices as adult voters. 4-H Youth Leaders also guided participants in reading about civic engagement, voting in the bi-lingual story corner, making their own 'I Voted' buttons, and marking the occasion in the 'I Voted' selfie booth. Amanda, a new 4-Her who helped with the Voting Celebration, expressed that she "loved volunteering because I got to meet new people, become more educated on issues in my city, and get a better overall understanding of how voting works." Her fellow 4-H club member, Promise, agreed. Promise offered, "seeing my peers actively involved in the democratic process made me realize the importance of our voices... It showed me that, even at 15, we can make a difference in our community and beyond."

All Extension programs have access to materials and training for elections, civic activities & lessons, and training through Kids Voting NC 4-H.  Contact Carolyn Kreuger at cmkreuge@ncsu.edu, 919-560-7321, for more information.