Union County 4-H: Kids Voting NC 4-H Election Wrap-Up
Empowering the Next Generation of Voters Through Hands-On Civic Engagement
Union County 4-H proudly participated in this year’s Kids Voting NC 4-H program, which is dedicated to building civic knowledge, skills, and engagement among North Carolina youth. This year, 149 youth from Union County cast their votes either in person or online, using the same ballot as adult voters. Through this experience, our 4-H youth were empowered to understand the importance of their voices, even at a young age.
Why Kids Voting NC 4-H Matters
Kids Voting NC 4-H is a vital program within 4-H's broader mission, focusing on the civic development of youth ages 5-17. This hands-on voting experience encourages youth to see themselves as future voters and develops a lifelong commitment to civic engagement.Key benefits include:
- Real-World Learning: Youth learn about actual candidates and issues, gaining insight into how elections impact their community and the value of informed voting.
- Skill Development: Participants practice evaluating candidates, understanding ballots, and making thoughtful decisions—skills that will serve them as engaged citizens in the future.
The Impact of Kids Voting NC 4-H Across North Carolina
Kids Voting NC 4-H is part of a statewide initiative supported by NC State 4-H that reaches thousands of young people each year. Through partnerships with schools, youth organizations, and community volunteers, the program closes civic participation gaps and provides education for youth from diverse backgrounds, equipping them with the knowledge they’ll need to be active, informed voters as adults.Looking to the Future: Expanding Civic Engagement in Union County
Union County 4-H is committed to building on the success of this year’s Kids Voting program by:- Increasing Participation: We aim to engage even more 4-H youth in future elections at all levels, allowing every young person the opportunity to participate in the voting process.
