Why This Parent Brings Children to the Polls

For Jeanette Senecal, who has spent nearly 30 years with the League of Women Voters, bringing her two children to the polling place is a crucial part of teaching them about democracy. Even though her children, aged 11 and 9, cannot vote yet, Senecal believes it is important for them to witness and understand the civic process.

Senecal emphasizes that the decisions made by elected officials impact nearly every aspect of her children's lives, from school funding and community resources like parks and libraries to the safety of roads and bike lanes. She wants her children to understand their power to influence these decisions.

Bringing her children to vote, rallies, and community meetings allows them to see democracy in action. Senecal believes that understanding democracy as something active that people do, rather than just a subject learned in school, is vital. Observing neighbors and community members participate in the voting process normalizes civic engagement.

These outings also provide opportunities for discussions tailored to her children's different stages of understanding and interests. Senecal notes that while her children may have different questions, they both possess a strong sense of fairness and can recognize when global or community events affect them. She aims to empower them by showing them various ways to use their voices, including learning about issues, asking questions, contacting elected officials, attending local meetings, and organizing with others.

Senecal asserts that participating in democracy is not an innate skill acquired at age 18 but something that must be taught and modeled. She highlights that children observe how adults handle problems, care for their communities, and participate in civic life. Her goal is not to tell her children what to think or whom to vote for, but rather to foster their ability to seek reliable information, listen to diverse perspectives, and form their own conclusions.

When her children eventually cast their first votes, Senecal hopes the experience will feel familiar and empowering. She wants them to know how to find credible information, feel comfortable asking questions, and understand that they do not need to agree with everyone. Ultimately, she hopes they grasp the significance of their own voices and how to use them effectively to shape the world they will inherit.