How to vote in the US midterms is a common search this week, as adults across the country head to the polls to choose who will represent them. Young children may hear about voting on the news or see “I Voted” stickers on grown-ups. It is a great moment to talk about fairness, choices, and why every voice matters.
How to Vote in the US Midterms, Explained Simply
Midterm elections happen between the bigger presidential elections, and they decide who serves in Congress, where laws are made. For young children, the simplest version of this idea is: grown-ups are choosing people to help make decisions for everyone.
You do not need to talk about any specific candidates or parties. The classroom conversation works best when it stays focused on the idea of voting itself: everyone gets a turn, everyone’s choice counts, and the group decides together.
Why Voting Is Fair
Voting is one of the easiest ways to show children what fairness looks like in action.
- Every person gets exactly one vote, no matter who they are.
- Everyone’s vote counts the same amount.
- The group listens to the result together, even if their own choice did not win.
These are powerful ideas for young children, who are still learning how to share, take turns, and accept outcomes they did not choose themselves.
Hold a Simple Class Vote
Bring the idea to life with a low-stakes class vote. Try voting on something small and fun, such as:
- Which read-aloud story to enjoy next
- Which song to sing at circle time
- Which game to play at recess
Steps for a simple class vote:
- Offer two or three choices.
- Give each child one ballot, sticky note, or token to place by their choice.
- Count the votes together as a class.
- Announce the result and do the chosen activity.
Afterward, ask children how it felt to vote, and how it felt if their choice did not win. This opens the door to a gentle talk about handling disappointment with grace.
A Simple Ballot Box Craft
Turn an empty box into a classroom “ballot box” by cutting a slot in the top and letting children decorate it. Each time you hold a class vote, children can fold their paper ballot and place it in the box themselves, which makes the process feel real and special.
Talking Points for Circle Time
Use these gentle questions to guide a discussion:
- “Why do you think it is important for everyone to get a vote?”
- “How do you feel when you get to make a choice?”
- “How can we be kind to someone whose choice did not win?”
- “Why do you think grown-ups wait in line to vote?”
Keep the conversation open-ended, and let children’s own words lead the discussion.
Celebrate Participation, Not a Winner
After a class vote, celebrate the process rather than focusing only on the outcome. You might make simple “I Voted” certificates using our Certificate & Award Maker so every child feels proud of taking part, no matter which choice won.
Build on Citizenship All Year
Voting connects naturally to bigger ideas about rules, rights, and being part of a community. Our free Constitution Day Activities for Kindergarten explores citizenship, rules, and voting in more depth, and our Our Class Is a Family resources build the kind of community where fairness and respect feel natural every day.
A single class vote, held with care, teaches young children something that will matter for the rest of their lives: that every voice deserves to be heard, and that a fair process matters just as much as the result.
