Activity Overview
Voting is incredibly important, as it is one of the ways we are able to make our voices heard. In this activity, students will create a spider map that details four ways in which voting matters. Students should be encouraged to research, discuss, and brainstorm with their classmates the importance of voting and how each vote serves a purpose regardless of their political beliefs. Teachers are encouraged to explain how voting in local elections impacts the lives of students far more than many would have guessed. Although local elections don’t receive nearly the media coverage of the Presidential election, students should see the importance of being an active member of their community.
As an extended activity, if there is an upcoming local election, teachers should encourage students to research the offices that are up for election and the ballot measures that voters will see. They can then present their findings to the class. This will help them better understand their local government and how people are working to enact change within it.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a spider map that describes different ways in which voting matters.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title box, identify the reason.
- In the description box, provide an in depth explanation for each reason.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, items, and characters.
Requirements:
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Voting is incredibly important, as it is one of the ways we are able to make our voices heard. In this activity, students will create a spider map that details four ways in which voting matters. Students should be encouraged to research, discuss, and brainstorm with their classmates the importance of voting and how each vote serves a purpose regardless of their political beliefs. Teachers are encouraged to explain how voting in local elections impacts the lives of students far more than many would have guessed. Although local elections don’t receive nearly the media coverage of the Presidential election, students should see the importance of being an active member of their community.
As an extended activity, if there is an upcoming local election, teachers should encourage students to research the offices that are up for election and the ballot measures that voters will see. They can then present their findings to the class. This will help them better understand their local government and how people are working to enact change within it.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a spider map that describes different ways in which voting matters.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title box, identify the reason.
- In the description box, provide an in depth explanation for each reason.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, items, and characters.
Requirements:
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Why Does Voting Matter in America?
How to facilitate a classroom mock election to teach about voting
Simulate the voting process by organizing a mock election in your classroom. This hands-on activity allows students to experience voting firsthand, deepening their understanding of its importance.
Prepare ballots and set up a voting station
Create simple ballots listing candidates or issues relevant to your class. Designate a private area as the voting booth to mimic real-world voting conditions and maintain confidentiality.
Assign student roles for election officials
Select students to act as poll workers, ballot counters, and observers. This helps everyone understand the responsibilities that make elections fair and accurate.
Guide students through the voting and counting process
Walk your class through casting ballots, collecting votes, and counting results. Encourage respectful participation and highlight the importance of every vote.
Lead a reflection discussion on what students learned
Discuss as a class how the mock election felt, what challenges arose, and why voting matters. Connect these insights to real-world elections to reinforce the lesson’s relevance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Why Does Voting Matter in America?
Why does voting matter in America?
Voting matters in America because it empowers citizens to influence government decisions, shape laws, and ensure their voices are heard in both local and national issues. Every vote contributes to a stronger democracy and helps communities reflect their people's needs.
How can I teach students the importance of voting with a simple classroom activity?
Use a spider map activity where students brainstorm and illustrate four ways voting matters. Encourage research, discussion, and peer collaboration to deepen understanding and connect voting to real-life community impacts.
What are some key reasons why voting is important for students to learn?
Key reasons include civic participation, influencing change, representing community needs, and learning responsibility. Highlighting these helps students see how their involvement shapes their future and community well-being.
How does voting in local elections affect students more than national elections?
Local elections directly impact students through decisions about schools, transportation, and community resources. These outcomes often have a greater and more immediate effect on students’ daily lives than national elections.
What is the best way to help high school students understand local elections?
Have students research upcoming local elections, identify offices and ballot measures, and present their findings. This hands-on approach connects classroom learning with real-world civic engagement.
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