It's almost that time of year again--of parties, fan fair and parades! What is this incredible event? No, it isn't the Oscars. No, it isn't the Super Bowl. And no, it's not my birthday. (But I'm flattered that you would think so; that's in October and I expect a present.) It's the presidential election season!
What? Not the exciting gala you were thinking of?
I don't blame you. Our country doesn't have the greatest reputation for election participation. In 2012, the voter turnout for those who were eligible to vote was 58 percent ("2012 Voter Turnout Report"). When you compare it to other countries like Iceland (81 per cent), Germany (71 percent) or Australia (93 percent), that's not great ("Voter turnout by country"). For something so important, why is it that nearly half our population refuses to get involved? I have my theories...it's all based on water cooler talk with friends--nothing fact-based. But let's be honest, we're talking politics here, so why bring in facts now?
Ouch! You see what I did just there? I purposely threw in a bit of cynicism because I believe that's what truly plagues this country. Not that I can blame anyone for being cynical. What do we think of when the presidential election season begins? If you're me, it's the never-ending commercials--from this PAC and that group or agency--all stretching the truth to the point of a lie. Facts are distorted. And by the time the election rolls around, people are so fed up with not getting a straight answer that they figure, "What's the point of voting?" I know it's a bit depressing. But what if I were to tell you we, as American citizens, could change this? I don't mean this season--be prepared to want to tear your ears off with all the inane chatter that's coming our way for the next year and a half. No, it's too late for us. But it isn't too late for our kids.
Children are not subjected to the partisan politics that we are -- and that is a good thing. It means they are clean slates to show what an election should truly be about: the idea that people with opposing views can come together to present their perspectives so that we as a nation can decide the path that best suits everyone--not just the self-serving few. I know it sounds a bit hokey, but that's what this political system was initially based on: "We the People" not "We the Super PAC." Schools do their part. They teach political science and run their mock elections--and this is great! But usually it's done in the fifth and sixth grade. Personally, I think kids are smart enough to handle the idea of elections as early as the first grade. Let's teach kids at a young age that if they want change, they need to fight for what they believe in.
Please understand, I'm not suggesting that first graders sit down to discuss gun control or health care. Though they may actually get more done than our current sitting Congress. I suggest we let them talk about the things that matter to them. Whether it's what book should be read that day in class, or what snack should be eaten, it doesn't matter. What matters is that they are engaged with the process of voting and being heard. Let them feel what it means to have a voice.
Involvement is the key at any age, as it raises children's sense of pride and fills them with the feeling that they can make a difference. I was talking about voting with my wife when my son, who was seven years old at the time, overheard and asked me about voting. I explained it to him, and also had to tell him that he was too young to vote. He then proceeded to exclaim how unfair that was. "I'm a person, I should have a say too!" he responded. At that moment, I saw his passion and desire to make a change--present at such an early age. As the older generation, we need to feed that passion if we ever want change to actually occur.
At this point I could end this article with me singing a verse from the "Greatest Love of All." But hearing me sing would be worse than listening to any future campaign commercial. Instead, I leave you with this.
My name is Paul Czajak and I approve this message.
Follow Paul on Twitter at @PCzajak.
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