Posted on: Monday, September 27, 2004
Kids Voting Hawaii puts learning on ballot
By Treena Shapiro
Advertiser Education Writer
Kids Voting Hawaii is gearing up for Nov. 2 with heightened interest from schools this year because the program can play a role in the state's education reform plan and mandates under No Child Left Behind.
With the primary election out of the way, children across the state will be studying candidates and issues so they can cast votes in their version of the general election.
Starting today, students from kindergarten through high school can begin casting practice votes for Kids Voting Hawaii, a program that teaches youngsters about the importance of voting. Students will be able to cast their official votes online Oct. 18 to Nov. 2, or they can vote at any public high school on election day.
The results from their election will be announced as soon as the polls close Nov. 2.
Last election, almost 50,000 children voted online or with their parents at the polls.
Department of Education officials say the Kids Voting program addresses many expectations of the state's education reform plan and No Child Left Behind. The percentage of students participating will be used as an indicator of accountability on the schools' new report card.
"Service and participation are some of the goals we have for our kids," said Farrington High School principal Catherine Payne.
Farrington was one of the first schools to jump aboard when Kids Voting started eight years ago. Payne said the program helps students become more aware of civic responsibility.
"I think it's just very important that we remember that part of public education's mission is to prepare students to get involved in a democratic society," she said.
Not only does the program encourage students to learn more about elections, it also encourages parents to vote.
Even if parents decide not to vote, students can still participate online at www.kidsvotinghawaii.org. Families can log on together to find out more about candidates and issues.
Stephanie Barayuga, 15, said she plans to be better informed than she was when she participated in Kids Voting in the sixth grade. At that time, she was interested in extra credit, not issues.
"I picked Ben Cayetano because he was Filipino and I thought he was cool," she said. "Now I know how important it is to vote and voice your opinion."
This time, the war on terrorism is determining how Barayuga votes for president.
"I want people to vote against Bush because I don't want my brother to get drafted," she said.
Leticia Ioane, 16, said she learned about campaign issues at home.
"My mom and dad would tell me about it, there was always the news to watch and newspaper articles and stuff," Ioane said.
Although her family is supportive of the Kids Voting program, she said it is good to have the Internet option for kids who can't get to the polls on Election Day.
Reach Treena Shapiro at tshapiro@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8014.
