How to Talk to Your Family About Voting

Now’s the time to talk with your family about voting; and a student video contest

By Lisa Utter

If you have grandchildren in 9th through 12th grade or adult children who are educators, there’s no better time than now to have a talk with them.

The talk I recommend should be all about voting – why it’s important and why you vote. Then tell them about a special program of the League of Women Voters of Washington (LWVWA) that encourages high school age students to learn about voting through a video contest that could earn them a cash prize.

LWVWA’s annual Student Video Contest invites Washington state high school students to create and submit original videos on the topic of voting rights and election credibility. The winning videos are used to promote election information to a broader audience, but the program’s goal is much bigger than that. This creative project, which involves peers, parents, and teachers, promotes a shared commitment to democratic values.

Instilling the values of voting and democratic engagement in young voters can lead to higher turnout rates for that age group. It can also inspire a culture of voting among peers as well as family members – one that can last a lifetime. That’s where you can help lead the way with your family. If you’d like to spark early engagement in the electoral process in your high school grandchildren, you might want to arrange for that talk now.

You can start by talking about the League’s video contest and how your grandkids could develop video production, storytelling, and persuasive communication skills, get recognition and, perhaps, earn cash prizes. Then use the opportunity to talk about voting and elections.

To help you prepare, here are some basic facts: The right to vote is a fundamental principle of our democracy. Every U.S. citizen age 18 or over is eligible to register and vote, unless a court has removed that right.

Washington’s Future Voter program allows 16- and 17-year-olds to pre-register to vote.

Your vote is your voice. The outcome of some elections can be determined by just a few votes.

Be the coach that encourages your family to learn more about voting and Washington state’s election process. Talk with them about the importance of being an informed voter and set a good example by voting in every election, every time.

And if one of your grandkids decides to enter LWVWA’s Student Video Contest, offer to be part of the video viewing party and celebrate their efforts to learn more about the role voting plays in our democracy.

Find LWVWA Student Video Contest details at studentvideocontest@lwvwa.org.

Information for this article was provided by Jane McClure, Student Video Contest Co-Chair and a member of the League of Women Voters of Snohomish County.