In Nickelodeon’s “Kids Pick The President” poll, the verdict is clear: Hillary Clinton is the kids’ choice for president! The Democratic candidate garnered an impressive 53% of the votes from young voters, outpacing Donald Trump, who secured 36%. Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson received 11%. Over 905,928 kids participated in this online voting event, which took place from October 28 to November 5, aiming to amplify children’s voices and increase their awareness of the electoral process.
A History of Accurate Predictions
Historically, kids have accurately predicted the winner of the presidential election in six out of the last seven instances. The only exception was in 2004, when they opted for John Kerry over George W. Bush. While the nation prepares to cast its votes, Clinton has consistently appealed to younger voters in various mock elections, including the Scholastic Student Vote, where she achieved 52% support. Scholastic, known for its beloved book fairs that inspire a love of reading, conducts these educational activities to allow students to express their opinions on the presidential race.
Clinton’s Appeal Across the Nation
Clinton’s appeal even reached traditionally Republican states like Texas and Utah, with children favoring her in those areas. However, a concerning trend emerged this year, as fewer students participated in the Scholastic elections compared to 2012, where nearly a quarter million kids voted. Only 153,000 students cast their ballots this time around. Many educators expressed discomfort discussing the election given its contentious nature, which has made it challenging to engage children in meaningful conversations about politics. As one educator noted, the negative tone of the campaign has made it difficult to cover the topic in classrooms.
Challenges for Parents and Educators
This election season has certainly been a struggle for parents trying to explain the harsh realities of the political landscape to their children, especially when teaching values like respect and decency. Thankfully, Election Day is almost here, providing a chance for everyone to participate in shaping the future. If you’re worried about managing your vote along with your kids, many YMCA locations will offer free childcare on Election Day.
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Conclusion
In summary, the kids have spoken in Nickelodeon’s mock election, favoring Hillary Clinton, while the overall voter engagement among youth has declined this year. Parents and educators face challenges in discussing the election’s tone, but resources are available to help navigate these conversations.