On Children having a Voice in the Election
“Adults should listen to kids because if you can’t express your opinions by voting, how else can you?” – 2nd Grader
“We are all human beings, so we should all get to have our opinions, so adults should listen to us.” – 2nd Grader
“Children have their own opinions.” – 3rd Grader
“We are part of the United States. This is our nation, too.” – 3rd Grader
On Differences between Adults and Children
“Grown-ups may not have noticed some things, and kids are good at noticing stuff.” – 3rd Grader
“Grown-ups can overthink things.” – 3rd Grader
On the Importance of Listening
“Adults don’t have to follow what the kids say, but they should listen to them.” – 4th Grader
“If it [a child’s opinion] is really strong but different, they should at least take it into account.” – 4th Grader
“If you say something meaningful, they might want to listen.” – 5th Grader
“We’re part of the country and should also get a voice and at least get to say what we think” – 5th Grader
On the Role of Children in Society
“They should know how it affects a child’s daily life.” – 4th Grader
“If candidates know what children think, that might help improve what they’re doing and make the world better for kids.” – 5th Grader
“The campaigns are focused on making the world better but aren’t focused on kids.” – 5th Grader
On the Value of Children’s Perspectives
“We’re younger, so we think differently.” – 4th Grader
“We don’t know as much, so we’re looking at it with fresh minds, not as registered Republicans or Democrats.” – 4th Grader
“Kids have a different point of view.” – 5th Grader
“Listening to kids might change their perspective.” – 5th Grader
On the Importance of Informed Opinions
“It can’t be a random opinion. You have to have some knowledge.” – 5th Grader
“If you’ve done enough research, you could try to turn people in a particular direction.” – 5th Grader
On Children Focusing on Their Future
“What they do affects kids’ futures.” – 5th Grader
“They’re not going to live in the world as long as we are.” – 5th Grader
“The candidate that the adults elect now will affect us as we grow up, so we should have some say.” – 6th Grader
On Children’s Capacity to Think Deeply and Engage with the World
“We know more than they think.” – 6th Grader
“People think we don’t have thoughts [on the issues] or don’t care.” – 6th Grader
“We should have a say because we really want to learn more about it. We can help shape our future to be what we want it to be.” – 6th Grader
