You have stumbled upon a site that tells the tale of a pioneering organization of the 1990s that makes it possible for kids to go to the polls. In 1986, the three traveled to Costa Rica for a fishing trip and learned that Costa Rica upholds a tradition of children accompanying mom and dad to the polls.
Youths learn early the importance of voting in a democracy.
As a result, voter turnout in Costa Rica is routinely 90 percent and its citizens believe their form of government is well preserved for the future. Kids Voting USA, similar to its Central American predecessor, teaches youth the importance of being informed and the responsibilities of voting. As a result, in 40 states , plus the District of Columbia, election day 1996 will arrive with children at the polls. Kids Voting Tennessee originated in Knox County in 1992 with all public schools as well as several independent schools implementing the program. In the 1992 presidential elecion, over 25,000 students went to the polls.