It’s a fact. Young people are fleeing the election process in droves. They are disillusioned and fed up with “The System.”
Last fall I wrote an article that was picked up nationally and addressed this problem. It’s why I tackled the issue in my latest book: Boomer and Halley – Election Day: A town votes for civic responsibility.

Children’s Book Teaches Kids Importance of Political Participation

Election Day

RALEIGH, NC–(Marketwire – November 23, 2011) – According to the figures compiled by The Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, a project by Tufts University, youth voting in presidential elections has been inching up in recent years. In 2008, 51 percent of voters ages 18 to 30 voted, up 2 percent from the 2004 elections. Mary Jane McKittrick, author of the children’s book “Election Day,” part of the Boomer and Halley series (www.boomerandhalley.com), wants to keep those numbers climbing.

“I believe children need more than just a history lesson about democracy,” said McKittrick, a former broadcast journalist who studied speech communication in college. “Kids need to be shown how the democratic process works and how people can make changes locally and around the country.”

McKittrick suggests parents can help teach their kids about democracy by doing the following:

•Vote — It’s difficult to teach your child about the election process if you don’t vote. You should make a point to vote, and when age-appropriate, bring your children with you when you do. If you vote via absentee ballot, show your child the form and explain how important it is to make sure your vote counts.

•Connect Laws to Their Lives — Children may not have a frame of reference for how a law is passed, but they encounter government in action practically every day. When there is road construction on the way to school, it represents tax dollars being spent to improve the community. When they see campaign signs all around during an election cycle, it’s another opportunity to explain what it’s all about.

•Don’t Talk Politics, Talk Issues — Politics can be boring for kids, and they may not have a frame of reference for it. But issues, like whether the school year should be longer or why they take standardized tests at school, can be discussed easily because it’s relevant to their lives. Ask questions like “If you could make the rules, what would you do?” It will get them thinking and caring about democracy and their role in it.

About Mary Jane McKittrick

Mary Jane McKittrick is the creator, author, producer and publisher of the Boomer and Halley books for ages 4-8. The books feature Boomerang, an Australian shepherd dog, and Halley’s Comet, a silver streak of a cat, teaching core values in a fun-filled way.

The Sanders family is back home in Shady Pines after their trip to the South Carolina Primary. Ever since she ran for mayor against Beauregard Fibbs, Edna Sanders has been energized about politics. In fact, she often has flashbacks to that rousing  stump speeches she gave before the good folk of the small Southern town. Flanked by her four-legged children, Boomerang, the Aussie dog and Halley’s Comet, a silver streak of a cat, Edna could look out a the crowd at her husband, Harold, standing next to ShadyPines Gazette newspaper editor Zulah Talmadge and Scoop, the cub reporter. While those were heady days, now Edna is now a little deflated.

Edna and her family traveled to the Palmetto State hoping to ask the presidential candidates questions about issues important to her town. Instead, she heard all about money managers and personal attacks. It was all a bit much for Edna.

“Honey,” I don’t know what to think.  “I’m a bit discouraged.”

Harold pats her hand. “Oh, come on now. You’ve never been one to give up so easily. Look what you were able to accomplish as a first-time candidate. That was somethin’.”

Boomer barks and starts chewing on his favorite bone. Halley snoozes on her cushy window seat.

Edna smiles. “You’re right,” she sayd. “Boomer is so happy about the Watchdog Committee we put into place to make sure Mayor Fibbs and all our elected officials are accountable to us. Boom still thinks he’s in charge of that group!”

Harold smiles. “And, don’t forget how you energized the whole town to clean up our act and pay more attention to the needs of our neighbors. That was huge!”

The TV is on and something she hears catches Edna’s attention. “Wait a minute. What is this about Super Pacs? They’re not talking football are they Harold?”

Harold turns up the sound. “No they’re talking about groups that are throwing a lot of money at the candidates to influence the outcome of the contests. Wow.”

Edna has started to pace the room. She is once again acting like a woman on a mission. “Sweetheart, I’ve got an idea!”

Harold looks askance. “Uh-oh. You have that look again. Should I be concerned?”

Tune in next time to find out what Edna has in mind and what role Boomer and Halley will play in this next episode!

Time is running out ’til the Republican Primary in South Carolina on Saturday. Former Shady Pines mayoral candidate, Edna Sanders, is in high gear. She wants to make sure her husband, Harold, and their “kids” Boomer and Halley, are there in plenty of time to meet the remaining candidates before the voting begins. She has the family station wagon, Sweet Pea, packed and ready to go.

“Everyone ready?” asks Edna. Harold tosses his bag onto the back seat. “I still can’t believe you talked me into taking off work to do this,” he grumbles. Edna pats his hand. “Don’t be an ‘ol Pooh, Harold. The Nuts ‘N Bolts hardware store will still be there when we get back.” With that, a resolved Harold hit the gas and grabs the wheel. “OK, we’re off!”

Boomer is rummaging through a colorful box labeled, TOYS.  ”Hey, Halley, have you seen our favorite sun glasses?” asks Boomerang, the Australian Shepherd. The silver streak of a cat looks at him with disdain. “They’re in the bag labeled, Boomerang and Halley’s Comet.” Boomer is nosing around. “Where?” he asks. Halley points. “There!”

Edna is looking through the file she brought. “I think it’s so great that all these people wrote suggestions for questions that we can ask the candidates.” Harold adjusts his rear view mirror. “Well, the contest in The Shady Pines Gazette was a stroke of genius.” Edna agrees. “We’ve gotten input from old and young. That Zulah Talmadge is a clever gal.” Harold nods in agreement. “She is one heck of an editor, too.”

To better understand why the Sanders’ family is heading to Palmetto State, one has to go back to the events of last fall. You see, Edna belongs to the local Common Sense Party and has no affiliation with the Republicans. But, ever since she challenged Mayor Beauregard Fibbs and his Gimme Party to a debate during the Special Election, Edna has been revved up about politics. That experience showed her how someone with no political background can hold a politician accountable for wrong-doing by getting involved and taking action. Now Edna is trying to take that gumption one step further by actually challenging the candidates for president to talk about the issues that are important to her small Southern town.

“I just can’t wait to get there,” says Edna. “There are so many things I want to find out.” Harold smiles. “I’d like to find out about the best places to eat.” Edna laughs. “That’s not a bad idea either. Wasn’t it lucky I found a hotel that takes pets.”

“Boomer,” hisses Halley. “Did you hear that?” Boomer is busy looking out the window. “What?” Halley pushes him with her paw. “We’re going to stay at a hotel and eat fancy food.” Now the silly cat has his attention. “You know something Halley? “I think I could get to likin’ this politic stuff.”

And, with that, Sweet Pea carries the Sanders’ family across the state line into South Carolina!

It’s one of the biggest stories in years to swirl around Shady Pines.  The small Southern town is abuzz with news that one of its former mayoral candidates is heading to the Palmetto State to meet the candidates running for president. Shady Pines Gazette editor, Zulah Talmadge, and Scoop, the cub reporter, are out and about covering the story from every angle.

“Scoop, there’s real excitement about our Edna Sanders going to South Carolina for the Republican Primary,” says Zulah. Scoop struggles with his gear. “I thought Mayor Beauregard Fibbs gave you some great stuff on the record.” Zulah agrees.

“He really did. That Special Election where Edna and the Common Sense Party challenged him and his Gimme Party after he stole all that money, was something none of us will ever forget. But Beau was very gracious and encouraging of Edna’s increased civic responsibility.”

Scoop agrees. “Edna never seemed that interested in politics before. But boy, once she and Harold turned their house into election headquarters – something changed.”

Zulah stops rummaging in her bag and looks up. “Scoop, you’re right. Remember how so many people got involved volunteering for her? Even their four-legged “kids” Boomer and Halley got into the act.” Zulah and Scoop take a moment to remember the scene in the Sanders’ kitchen where phones were ringing off the hook.

“Everyone got energized with the idea that they could turn the town around,” says Scoop. “Even the kids I go to school with were helping out on weekends. It was really cool.”

Zulah is scribbling some notes. “I want to capture what’s going on here.  ‘When people of all ages feel can make a difference, they get motivated and make things happen.’ How does that sound, Scoop?”

“That’s the way it happened – and is happening. Have you seen some of the suggested questions coming into the Gazette Hotline?”

Zulah had to admit she hadn’t looked for a day or so. She likes the idea of the newspaper holding a contest offering prizes for the best questions Edna can ask the candidates when she meets them. “Are there some good submissions?”

Scoop can’t wait to tell her. “Oh, Ms Talmadge, we’re getting input from kids and older folks on all kinds of subjects. They’re interested in pocketbook topics and civility – things that aren’t getting a lot of national airtime – but should!”

Zulah whoops and hollers. “Scoop, back to the office! That’s the story we have to get out!”

Scoop skedaddles after her. “I’m on it, Ms. Talmadge!”