Elections are a great way to teach students about the voting process, however. The following article was composed with high school students in mind, but the suggestions can easily be adapted for middle or elementary school bulletin boards as well.
Originally published, June 2012
High School Bulletin Boards the Voting Process
High School bulletin board displays on the voting process are an opportunity to supplement classroom learning and prepare young adult students for life beyond the classroom. A colorful and attractive board seen by students on a daily basis can help interest them in voting and inspire them to learn more about the process.
Most high school students have some idea of how the voting process works. By the time they become old enough to register, they have voted in at least one classroom and/or school-wide election of some kind. Many have listened to their parents and other adults discussing candidates during numerous election periods and have most likely accompanied their parents to a polling location on voting day.
Quite often with the average teen information goes in one ear and out the other. In some communities teachers may find that teens not only do not understand how to register to vote, they may not are about voting or understand why it is important. In situations like these, a voting process bulletin board that includes a historic timeline across the top or bottom might be a good idea.
Other useful items to include on this type of bulletin board display are a copy of a voter registration card, as well as a National Mail Voter Registration Form. These can be used with arrows and graphics to show the various stages of the voter process from registration to actual voting.
Graphics such as Uncle Sam pointing in the “wants you” pose, an image of a poll box or voting booth, photos of popular celebrities that students admire with quotes on voting, can be combined with the factual information on the voting process to help illustrate the bulletin board’s theme.
If multiple boards are being created on the voting process each one can be dedicated to a different aspect of it. If only one board will be used, it will be important to get as many of the most important facts across as possible in the available space.
When creating a bulletin board display for more informed student populations, it may be useful to include a list of the constitutional amendments that have extended voting privileges. A FAQ of relevant bullet points can also reinforce what students have already learned or introduce little known facts about the voting process and its history.
Voting isn’t the most exciting topic for teens, but an attractive, brightly colored bulletin board featuring the favorite hip hop artist, reality star, or athlete of the week wearing a Rock the Vote T-shirt, will more than likely get them to stop and read about the voting process.
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