KIDS VOTING MESSAGE

By Lyla Berg

This illustration is a cooperative effort by the
students of Ruth Nishimura's 5th grade class.

Make your voice count

ALOHA KIDS! Today we celebrate NATIONAL KIDS VOTING DAY along with millions of young people in America. The tradition of the "Wishing Tree" on KIDS VOTING DAY demonstrates our appreciation for the freedom which our democracy gives us -- freedom to grow up with possibilities of making our dreams come true.

America is the largest free country in the world. KIDS VOTING DAY is an occasion to show our gratitude for what we have. There are so many things we can do in our country that people in other places may not be able to experience.

Today, trees are being planted as symbols of freedom in KIDS VOTING ceremonies across the country. Stars, with wishes written on them, are hung on the tree. It is a way of displaying our hope that the wishes will grow and become real. Planting a tree shows our respect and desire to preserve the land that gives us the opportunities we have.

Take a few minutes right now to think about the things that YOU might wish for to have a happier life in your neighborhood.

When you are considering who to vote for in the General Election, remember your own dreams for a safe and good place to live. Does the candidate you're thinking about have similar dreams for our community?

Along with the freedom offered by democracy comes choice and the right to choose. Those rights, however, also require us to take responsibility to make sure we will always be able to have choices.

One of the ways in which we show how responsible we are is by voting for people who believe in our dreams for a better place to live. That's why it's so important to know who we are voting for!

SO kids ... get ready! Read, discuss and be prepared to make your choices on Nov. 3.

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Lyla Berg, Ph.D., is the executive director for Kids Voting Hawaii.

Voting calendar

Today -- National KIDS VOTING DAY "Celebration of Democracy" at Kaimuki High, noon.

Oct. 5 -- Last day to register ADULTS for the General Election.

Nov. 3 -- General Election! Kids are encouraged to vote for Hawaii candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, Congress and other offices. Student votes will not count toward electing people to office, but will be tabulated to let adults know what you think.