Kids Voting Minneapolis

1. Kids Voting Minneapolis Election Day Volunteer Training November 2005

2. Kids Voting USA® • It's unique, it's fun and it works!  • Kids Voting combines dynamic, hands-on classroom activities with an authentic voting experience to get students involved and ready to be active citizens • National nonprofit, nonpartisan organization • Unites schools and communities

3. Why Kids Voting is Important • 1999 study found that 15 to 24 year olds ranked voting as one of their lowest priorities • On November 2, 2004, in Minnesota 196,000 18-24 year-olds did not vote! • More than 50% of American children live in households where no adults vote

4. Kids Voting Goal Help youth develop into involved, politically-informed citizens who maintain a life-long habit of: -- Studying the candidates -- Studying the issues -- Voting!

5. How Kids Voting Works • Teachers use Civics Alive and Destination Democracy, K-12 curriculum to teach rights, responsibilities and privileges of voting • Election Day is a family activity when students go to polls with their parents • Students vote on Kids Voting Minneapolis ballot • Ballots scanned • Results reported next day at www.kidsvotingminneapolis.org

6. How Big Is Kids Voting USA®? • 4.3 million students • 200,000 teachers in 10,600 schools • 50 affiliates in 28 states • 17,000 voter precincts • In Minnesota • More than 67,500 students voted in 2004 • More than 225,000 students and 8000 teachers participated in schools from International Falls to Owatonna • This is the second year for Kids Voting in Minneapolis • 7,600 students voted in the 2004 election

7. Volunteer Expectations • Kids Voting must not interfere with the official voting and volunteers must follow the law with regard to conduct in and near polling places. • Be completely nonpartisan • Don’t wear items related to candidates, parties or issues • Don’t discuss or comment on candidates, parties or issues

8. Volunteer Expectations (contd.) • Wear a nametag and Kids Voting button • Be familiar with the ballot and voting process • Keep Kids Voting area well-managed and orderly • Respect student voters right to privacy • Make this voting experience a positive one for all students

9. Kids Voting Polling Stations • Voting Hours: 7-9:00 am and 2:30-8 pm • Located at every Minneapolis precinct • Station consists of a table and 2 chairs • May be located in the same room as the adult voting • Supply box and voting booths at precinct already

10. Red folder with instructions and other information Kids Voting buttons Volunteer nametags 1 ballot box 2 voting booths KV ballots by ward List of School Numbers Voted Ballot envelope #2 pencils & sharpener Masking tape “Vote Here” poster “KV Voting Hours” sign “I Voted” Kids Voting stickers Notes & Quotes sheet Supplies

11. Opening KV Polls • Introduce yourself to Chair Election Judge • Determine from the Chair Judge location of KV table, supply box, and voting booths • Open supply box, find and put on nametag and Kids Voting button • Set up Kids Voting station

12. Opening the KV Polls (contd.) • Place the ballot box between the booths • Place ballots on table • Sharpen pencils and put two pencils in each booth • Tape the “Voting Hours” sign to the table and the “Vote Here” sign on the wall outside the polling area

13. Opening the KV Polls (contd.) • Know the ward and precinct number of the polling place where you are located • Familiarize yourself with the ballot • Review the School Numbers list • Have “I Voted” stickers ready to distribute to those who vote

14. Student Voting Process • Welcome student to Kids VotingMinneapolis • Review how to mark the ballot with pencil • Have the student record: • Correct ward and precinct number • School Number • Grade level

15. Student Voting Process (contd.) • Remind student to vote for one candidate for Mayor, one City Council member, up to three candidates for Park Board and up to sixcandidates for Library Board • Space for write-in names is provided • Have student place completed ballot in ballot box • Do Not Fold Ballot • Give voter “I Voted” sticker • Thank them for voting and ask if they have any comments they’d like to share

17. Volunteers For All Shifts • Put on a KV Volunteer nametag and Kids Voting button • Review Student Voting Process instructions • Assist student voters cast ballots

18. Volunteers For All Shifts (contd.) • At end of shift, after students have left area, count the number of ballots cast • Fill out the label on the front of the Voted Ballot Envelope • Put voted ballots in the envelope • Store unused ballots in the folder

20. After the Polls Close • Take down Kids Voting station • Place all supplies including unused ballots and ballot box in Supply Box and fold closed • Give the sealed KV Voted Ballot Envelope to the Chair Election Judge • Ask Chair Election Judge where to place closed supply box and folded voting booths

21. Important Reminders • By MN law only Kids Voting volunteers and students voting are allowed in polling places • Do not bring your children with you • Do not allow students to hang out in the area • Do not "watch" students while their parents vote • Voters should only use a #2 pencil • Call for more ballots when you get down to 5 (Do not duplicate ballots on a copier.) • Do Not Fold Ballots • Remain nonpartisan • Make this voting experience positive for all students

22. Kids Voting Minneapolis could not happen without your help. Thank you for your time and dedication.