Teaching Your Preschooler About Election Day: A Parent’s Guide to Early Civic Learning
Why Talk About Election Day with Preschoolers?
When Election Day arrives, your preschooler might notice signs, conversations, or even see you filling out a ballot. Naturally, they’ll start asking questions like, “What’s voting?” or “Why do people get stickers?”
These are wonderful teachable moments.
Talking about Election Day with preschoolers isn’t about introducing politics — it’s about helping children understand the ideas of community, fairness, taking turns, and listening to others. These are essential life skills that form the foundation of social-emotional learning (SEL) and early civic understanding.
According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), children as young as three begin to grasp fairness and cooperation. Simple classroom or family “voting” activities give them a sense of belonging and teach that their voices matter — a core civic value.
What the Research Says
Early childhood is a powerful time to nurture empathy, fairness, and cooperation — all linked to positive civic behaviors later in life.
Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child explains that early experiences with taking turns, following rules, and considering others’ perspectives support executive function and self-regulation — the same skills used in civic decision-making later on.
The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) reports that SEL programs in early childhood improve cooperation, problem-solving, and empathy. These skills build the groundwork for responsible citizenship.
Educators featured in Edutopia and NAEYC have shared examples of “mock elections” where preschoolers vote on class snacks or songs — learning fairness, teamwork, and patience in the process.
In short, introducing Election Day concepts early helps children feel empowered to participate, respect group decisions, and practice kindness.
Age-Appropriate Goals for Election Day Conversations
When talking about Election Day with preschoolers, the goal isn’t to explain political systems — it’s to connect to their world and experiences.
Here’s what to focus on:
Vocabulary Building: Words like choice, vote, fairness, and community help children connect new ideas to daily life.
Turn-Taking and Cooperation: Use examples from playtime or classroom routines to show how we make group decisions.
Respect for Others’ Choices: Encourage empathy by asking how others might feel about a decision.
Model Calm Communication: Show that listening and kindness are part of being a good community member.
8 Fun and Simple Activities to Teach About Voting
1. Snack-Time Vote 🍎🍌
Offer two snack options and let children vote with stickers or hand-raising. Count the votes together and celebrate the group choice. Focus on participation, not winning.
2. Storytime About Choices 📚
Read picture books like Duck for President by Doreen Cronin or Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio. Ask questions like, “How did they make a choice?” or “Was it fair?”
3. Mock Classroom or Family Election 🗳️
Hold a pretend election for a class pet name, favorite game, or special activity. Use picture ballots so non-readers can take part. Celebrate everyone’s effort!
4. “If I Were Mayor…” Art Activity 🎨
Ask, “If you were in charge, what would you do to help others?” Let kids draw or describe their ideas. This encourages empathy and imagination.
5. Role-Play Voting Day 🎭
Set up a pretend polling station with a table, paper, and box. Have children take turns being the voter and the helper. Practice saying “I voted!” proudly.
6. Talk About Rules and Fairness 🗣️
During circle time or dinner, discuss why families or classrooms have rules — connecting fairness to real life.
7. Make “I Voted” Stickers 🏅
After any group decision, give out stickers or paper badges that say “I Voted!” This builds pride in participation.
8. Practice Kindness After Decisions ❤️
When something doesn’t go their way, help children name their feelings and talk about how to be kind and supportive. This helps them understand empathy and community.
Keeping It Non-Partisan and Emotionally Safe
It’s essential to keep Election Day discussions neutral and age-appropriate. Focus on the process of making choices together, not political figures or adult-level issues.
Tips for parents and educators:
Avoid discussing specific candidates or political parties.
Use real-world examples from daily life (“We vote to choose a snack!”).
Emphasize feelings, listening, and teamwork.
Keep activities short — preschoolers learn best through play and repetition.
By keeping the tone calm and inclusive, children will feel safe expressing their thoughts and learning from others.
Why Early Civic Learning Matters
Preschoolers are natural helpers. They love fairness, teamwork, and having a say in their world. Teaching them about voting through simple activities helps them practice empathy, patience, cooperation, and self-expression — all core SEL skills.
As the Harvard Center on the Developing Child explains, these skills aren’t just for school — they’re life skills that shape how children interact with others, solve problems, and eventually engage in their communities.
When parents and teachers model listening and fairness, they’re not teaching politics — they’re teaching the heart of democracy: respect, inclusion, and care for others.
Helpful Resources
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) — Resources on early civic learning and classroom activities.
Edutopia: Teaching Voting to Young Learners — Practical classroom examples.
Harvard Center on the Developing Child — Research on early learning and social development.
CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) — Research and activities to support SEL at home and school.
Final Takeaway
Election Day is more than a day to cast a ballot — it’s a celebration of community. By helping preschoolers understand fairness, cooperation, and listening, parents can nurture the next generation of kind, thoughtful citizens.
It’s never too early to plant the seeds of civic kindness. 🌱
Check out Little Darling Preschool for more information on how we help your child succeed with early learning before Kindergarten.
