OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — In an effort to engage future voters, Johnson County introduced a program aimed at engaging children this election season.

Children who go to a polling place with their parents will have the opportunity to cast their own vote.

While the questions on children’s ballots differ from those of their parents, the goal is to spark interest in elections and teach children the importance of voting in our democracy.

Tim Hellhake

Questions on children’s ballots include their favorite sports team, favorite superhero, and favorite food.

When asked about their favorite sports teams, answers ranged from the Kansas City Chiefs to games.

The kids had a lot more to say when it came to their favorite food.

“Ice cream,” responded five-year-old Scarlett.

“Macaroni and cheese,” said six-year-old Silas.

When I asked four-year-old Leo, he couldn’t choose just one food to vote on. He said he would vote for all of them.

Tim Hellhake

“All?” I asked.

“Yeah, I like broccoli too,” Leo said. “I didn’t like it before, but now I do.”

Children are learning that their opinions can change, but they are also understanding what it means to vote.

Silas voted with his mother, Hannah Poindexter.

Hannah used the experience as a teaching moment.

“It’s important for everyone to come out and make their voices heard and vote,” he said.

Tim Hellhake

Johnson County Election Commissioner Fred Sherman said he remembers being curious about what exactly elections were when he was a child.

He hopes the Kids Vote program sparks the same curiosity in these future voters.

“I think it’s important to get kids interested in just the whole democratic and civic process of holding elections and having citizens cast their votes,” Sherman said.

Each child who votes will receive a bag full of goodies, including a booklet with educational activities related to the election.

After Election Day, Kids Vote results will be posted on the Johnson County Elections Website.