The verdict is in, and children across the nation have made their preference clear—Hillary Clinton is their choice for president. In Nickelodeon’s 2016 Kids Pick The President initiative, the Democratic candidate garnered 53% of the kids’ votes, triumphing over Donald Trump, who received 36%, while Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson managed to secure 11%. Over the course of the poll, which ran from October 28 to November 5, an impressive 905,928 kids cast their votes online. This mock election aims to “amplify kids’ voices and opinions and raise their awareness of the electoral process,” according to Nickelodeon.
Historically, children have accurately predicted the next U.S. president in six of the last seven elections, with their only misstep occurring in 2004 when they supported John Kerry over George W. Bush. As the nation prepared for the official election day, Clinton quietly amassed support from kids in various mock voting scenarios. She also triumphed in the Scholastic Student Vote, receiving 52% of the ballots. You might recognize Scholastic as the company behind those beloved book fairs that make reading exciting for kids. Their presidential election serves as an educational tool, allowing students to express their opinions about the electoral landscape.
Clinton’s popularity extended to many battleground states, including Arizona, Florida, Georgia, and Michigan, as reported by USA Today. Even in traditionally Republican-leaning states like Texas and Utah, she found favor among young voters. However, a concerning trend emerged this year, as fewer kids participated in the Scholastic election compared to previous years—only 153,000 students voted, a stark contrast to the nearly quarter-million who participated in 2012. According to Stephanie Jones, editorial director of Scholastic Newsmagazines, some educators felt uncomfortable discussing the election due to its contentious nature. This discomfort has made it difficult for teachers to engage their students in discussions about the election, given the troubling themes that have surfaced.
Navigating conversations about the election’s harsh realities with kids has been challenging for parents as well. It’s tough to instill values like respect and decency when children are exposed to derogatory remarks and negative behavior from political figures. Thankfully, the election is nearing its end, and it’s vital to ensure you participate in the voting process. If you’re concerned about managing childcare while you head to the polls, some local YMCA locations will be offering free childcare on Election Day.
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In summary, while kids may have chosen Hillary Clinton in the Nickelodeon poll, the real election is just around the corner. Their engagement in the political process serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering awareness and understanding of democracy in the younger generation.
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