EDITORIAL
Adults can learn from Kids Voting Hawai'i

You're never too young to vote. At least that's the premise of the innovative civics program known as Kids Voting. And we're inclined to agree.

We're not necessarily advocating that the voting age be lowered. We're just lamenting that voting isn't a tradition in many Hawai'i households today, and so if it's not taught in school, then where?

Plus, it's fun. Students enrolled in the Kids Voting Hawai'i program get a seven-week crash course in civics before the general election. It teaches them why they need to vote, how to vote and how to measure the candidates.

In addition, they learn about campaigning, invite candidates to talk to them and get swept up in the excitement. The theory is that if they get hooked early, they'll keep up the habit as adults.

Moreover, studies show that kids' involvement leads to a 3 to 5 percent increase in parent voter turnout. That alone is worth keeping the program running.

About 56,000 Hawai'i children "voted" in the 2000 general election, and we're hoping that number increases this year.

Speaking of voter apathy, it's a pity adults don't take a pre-election civics course before they vote. We never cease to be amazed at the number of people who walk into ballot booths and pick candidates without doing their homework.

In that spirit, we encourage all to get to the polls for the primary election tomorrow and for the general election on Nov. 5. And just like the children involved in Kids Voting, let's do our homework.