Nationally things are not any better. And less than half of those old enough to vote cast ballots in the 1996 presidential election. These lessons are easy to use and now available online for more accessibility. The programs's yearly culminating experience is when students accompany their parents to the polls on election day and get to cast their own Kids Voting Utah ballots. Those ballots are then tallied and reported to both local and national news media that night.
Families then become re-energized about their civic responsibilities.
Kids Voting Utah stimulates community interest in the education process and in supporting families' desires to participate. In return, kids and families feel a closer tie to their communities and become more active and responsive citizens. Then, before placing their wishes on a designated tree, they read them aloud before all present. In 1996 and 1998, Wish Tree activities were held in participating schools throughout Utah, and at a special event at the State Capitol with the Governor and Lt. Governor in attendance. Utah County Pilot Kids Voting Utah was piloted for the 1996 election in most of the Provo School District, along with Meridian School, and Westmore Elementary in Alpine School District.