What is Kids Voting?
Kids Voting is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, community organization dedicated to preparing the next generation of citizens. The program is unique because it combines civic learning in the classroom with an authentic voting experience that reflects the adult process. Kids Voting Shakopee is an affiliate of Kids Voting USA and Kids Voting Minnesota.
How will students learn about the voting process?
Classroom teachers use the Kids Voting USA Classroom Activities to teach about democracy, civic responsibility, and the importance of an informed vote. It is the combination of classroom instruction, family dialogue and an authentic voting experience that makes Kids Voting a powerful strategy for achieving long-term change in voting behavior.
Where do students vote?
Students vote at the same polling location as their parents in a separate space designated for Kids Voting. Kids Voting polls are located at every precinct within the Shakopee School District boundaries. Shakopee School District #720 boundaries include all of the City of Shakopee (Precincts 1-12), all of Jackson Township, portions of the Cities of Prior Lake(Precincts 5 and 7) and Savage (Precincts 5 and 7) and portions of Louisville and Sand Creek Townships.
To determine the precinct where you vote, visit the Secretary of State's website: http://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us. The site also allows you to view a map of your precinct location.
To link to a list of polling locations in the Shakopee School District #720 click here.
When do students vote?
Students vote on Election Day and during non-school hours. Please note: not all precinct are open during morning hours.
Precinct Kids Voting Hours
City of Shakopee Precincts 1 through 12: 7-9 a.m. & 2:30-8 p.m.
Jackson Township (combined): 7-9 a.m. & 2:30-8 p.m.
City of Savage Precincts 5 and 7: 3-8 p.m.
How old do kids need to be to vote?
Kids Voting Shakopee was founded on the importance of an informed vote. In Shakopee Schools, the Kids Voting USA curriculum is taught in grades 3-9 and elections and candidates are studied as part of Social Studies classes at the High School. Because Kids Voting stresses the importance of casting an informed vote, we ask that only students in third grade and older be allowed to vote.
Which races do kids vote in?
The 2011 Kids Voting ballot will include candidates for Shakopee and Savage Mayor and City Council and Shakopee School Board. Due to logistics, there is one ballot for all students who attend school in the Shakopee School District. The ballot will include races in Shakopee and Savage. Students will be instructed to vote only in the races pertinent to their home precinct.
How can I learn more about the candidates?
* Attend the "Meet the Candidates" event on Wednesday October 19, 2011 7:00 PM to 7:45 PM at Shakopee City Hall 129 Holmes Street
* Attend or view the three Candidate Forums sponsored by the Shakopee Chamber
* Mayoral candidates - Wednesday October 19, 2011 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
* School Board candidates - Wednesday October 19, 2011 7:45 PM to 8:45 PM
* City Council candidates - Wednesday October 26, 2011 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
* The Kids Voting Shakopee Voter’s Guide is a resource to help educate you and your parents on the Kids voting process. It also introduces the candidates and their stand on the issues. Click here to download and view the guide.
Where can I find the Kids Voting election results?
While student votes are not part of the official election, the results of the Kids Voting election will be posted on the Kids Voting Shakopee website. Results will be posted as soon as they are available.
I would like to help. Does Kids Voting need adult volunteers?
Yes, Kids Voting Shakopee needs volunteers especially on Election Day. Volunteers are needed to assist students with the voting process. Shifts run from 2 to 3 hours. Precinct volunteer training materials can be downloaded by clicking here. Contact Michele at mhanlon@valleyfair.com or Paulette at prislund@shakopee.k12.mn.us with any questions and to volunteer.
