Why Does Voting Matter in America?

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.