Valley of the Sun YMCA educates children, teenagers through mock elections

PHOENIX (AZ Family)—There is a little more than a week left until the election day. Young voters are expected to make a big impact this year.

That’s why the YMCA works to educate the younger generation about the voting process.

“Children are our future. Young people are the next leaders of our country. Our next constituents,” said Elise Nilles, deputy executive director of community engagement.

Every election, children ages 5 to 17 can visit any Valley YMCA and experience what it’s like to vote. They have real voting booths and ballots with the same candidates we will be voting for this year.

“Today we officially open, so all our polling stations are open to young people and they can vote throughout the election. So, our polling stations are closing just like Election Day,” Nilles said.

Although it may not be a real ballot, everything about these polling stations should be as realistic as possible. From the booths to the stickers students receive after voting.

“Students can practice voting, scroll through the options and learn a little more about each candidate. From senators, judges and members of the corporation,” Nilles said.

There will be 8 million new young voters this year. High school students like Ava Strihartz believe this is an important initiative.

“Not every nation has such opportunities as we do. So having that right and power to spread the word and talk about what’s important to you is something everyone should do, including our youth,” Striharz said.

We hope that this voting experience will help get more young people involved in politics and more willing to share their voice.

“Go vote. This is an extremely important process. It’s your right and something you should exercise because it will always be important,” Strihartz said.

The YMCA is also offering free childcare for parents on Election Day from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. so you can get out and vote. To find a polling station near you, click/tap here.

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