In an article published on 11/6 by the Orlando Sentinel, Rebecca Palmer discusses how parents can introduce their children to the importance of the democratic process by taking them to the voting booth this Election Day. Most jurisdictions allow parents to bring children into the booth, and some localities have even included play areas for children.

“Sharing the importance of this day can have a long-lasting impact on your child,” writes Rebecca. “Obviously, it will depend on their comprehension level, but it is important to give them context about how voting is part of a unifying democratic process that millions of people around the country are doing.”

Rebecca cites a recent study from the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy that found a “trickle-down” effect wherein children taken to the voting booth by their parents are more likely to engage in civic participation when they come of age.

“Not only is this an opportunity to make our voices heard, but also an opportunity to teach our children, who will be the next generation of leaders, how important it is for them to raise their voices and contribute to their civic duty and responsibility,” she writes.

Read the story in full; click here (subscriber-based).