The 2008 Presidential and local elections on November 4 are a fundamental catalyst for children's well-being. The elections are the gateway in our democracy for parents and advocates of children to let our elected leaders know we want candidates that demonstrably support and invest in children's programs.  The lead-up to the election has been important, and Every Child Matters has conducted literally hundreds of events to educate politicians, reporters, and voters on children's issues.  This collective effort will only be effective if everyone concerned about kids shows up and casts a ballot. See our voting resources below.

How to Vote

1. Register. Most states require registeration before entering the voting booth. Some state have early voting and vote by mail options.  »See our State-by-State Voter Guide

Click the button below, and you can register online now. 

2. Know your voting location. The day of the election can be a rush for everyone, so it's best to know where to vote beforehand.  Note that voting locations can change from year to year.  »Find voter information in your state. 

3. Learn about the Presidential candidates.  We've gathered information, speeches, video, and resources on how Barack Obama and John McCain have addressed issues concerning children and families.

4. Vote on November 4th.  Try to get to your voting center early, but the law allows you to take reasonable time off from work to cast your vote in your home district.

What's at Stake in the Election

• Every American child should have health insurance and be able to see a doctor. Their health should not depend on where their parents work or what their income is.
• All children should have the chance to attend high quality early learning and care programs.
• All of our children deserve a world class education—our nation can afford to give it to them; it can’t afford not to.
• Even though we ship tons of food overseas, millions of American children don’t have enough to eat. As a matter of fact, over 13 million live in poverty. It doesn’t have to be this way.
• None of our children should be left alone after school; they should have a safe, supervised place where they can play and learn while parents work.
• None of our children should suffer from violence at home, at school or in our communities. Ever.
• »Learn more about solutions.
  
  

Encourage Kids

Talking to Children about voting and involving them in the decision-making process is an important part of raising thoughtful and politically-engaged young people.  Children develop community awareness, responsibility, and decision-making skills. Many registered voters says their parents took them to vote, which influenced their voting behavior. Every Child Matters is launching a Treat Kids and Vote campaign around Halloween, distributing Halloween bags for kids to use for trick and treating and filled with voter information.

Tips to involve your kids in elections:

• Talk with your children about political campaigns in the news, the issues you care about as a kid, and what you care about now.
• Take your child to community or schools meeting and discuss his or her observations.
• Point out political signs during walks in your neighborhood
• Take your child with you to the polls on election day.  This is a special occasion for your child to show them the importance of participation.
• Discuss issues with your kids in the newspaper or on the TV news, debate issues going on in their schools, to talk about the life of boys and girls in other parts of town or other countries. 
• Hold fun elections with children, such as voting on chores around the house or other family decisions, and discuss the process and outcome for voting