In an interesting turn of events, the results are in from Nickelodeon’s 2016 Kids Pick The President poll, and the young voters have made their choice clear: Hillary Clinton for president. The Democratic nominee garnered 53% of the votes from children participating in this mock election, significantly outpacing Donald Trump, who received 36%, while Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson managed to secure 11%. Over the course of the voting period, from October 28 to November 5, a total of 905,928 kids cast their votes online. This initiative aims to amplify children’s voices and raise awareness about the electoral process, according to Nickelodeon.
Historically, children have accurately predicted the winning candidate in six out of the last seven presidential elections, with 2004 being the only exception when they favored John Kerry over George W. Bush. As Election Day approaches, Clinton has been quietly winning the support of young voters in various mock elections nationwide. Notably, she triumphed in the Scholastic Student Vote, receiving 52% of the student ballots. Scholastic’s presidential election serves as an educational activity, allowing students to express their opinions on the electoral process.
Clinton’s appeal among the youth was apparent in key battleground states, including Arizona, Florida, and North Carolina, where she performed well. Interestingly, she also captured the votes in traditionally Republican areas like Texas and Utah. However, Scholastic has reported a concerning trend this year: a decline in student participation. Only 153,000 students participated in the election, a stark contrast to the nearly 250,000 who voted in 2012. Many educators expressed discomfort discussing the current election climate, citing the prevalence of negative rhetoric and behavior that has made teaching about the election challenging.
As parents, we often find ourselves navigating difficult conversations with our children about the election’s tone. It can be daunting to teach values such as respect and kindness when political figures seem to disregard these norms. Thankfully, the election will conclude soon, and for those concerned about managing their voting commitments alongside their children, YMCA locations will provide free childcare on Election Day.
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In summary, Hillary Clinton has emerged as the favorite among young voters in Nickelodeon’s Kids Pick The President poll, reflecting her broader appeal in mock elections throughout the nation. As we approach the actual voting day, it is crucial for parents to engage their children in discussions about civic responsibilities and the importance of participating in democracy.