Contrast that to voter turnout in the United States, which is second lowest of democratic countries. For more than 40 years the children of Costa Rica have discussed election issues in the classroom and at home and then voted on their own ballot alongside their parents on election day. The mission of Kids Voting involves parents, teachers and the community. The object is to help students develop the skills necessary to gather information and make critical decisions. This happens in the home and the schools.
Civic groups help provide financial and volunteer support.