Ballot box encourages children’s book award votes

This “ballot box,” a cardboard box covered with red craft paper and bright blue letters spelling out “VOTE,” really grabs students’ attention in Bellview Elementary School library. I’m getting great turnout by students casting votes in the Oregon Reader’s Choice Award.

One day this week, I found the box stuffed with slips of paper with presidential primary candidates’ names written on them. That wasn’t precisely the purpose for which I created this box, but the way I see it, the students are trying out adult roles and responsibilities. In just a few more years, they’ll be able to vote in earnest in the U.S. presidential election. I hope they hang on to this enthusiasm to vote and mature into engaged citizens.