During this years election, Durham's 4-H Teen Council and Juntos teens partnered together to bring back this years Kids Voting Celebration to the youth of Durham at the Pavilion of Durham Central Park . During this event, youth of all ages received the opportunity to cast a ballot, make their own voters button, and take selfies to remember the fun day!

Our Teen Council and Juntos members enjoyed sharing their knowledge with the families and schools that visited and they also learned the importance of voting !

Nearly 200 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 as a family or with their afterschool programs 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. They also had fun with face painting and making fun bracelets to take home.

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.