Kids Vote Election Results 2022

Kids Vote Election Results 2022

The final results are IN! With 20.8% of the 96 votes cast in our kids vote election, the most popular book in the Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites exhibit at the Discovery Center through January 2 is... Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr.!

The final results are a surprising shift since The Tale of Peter Rabbit dominated early voting. Late turnout from a 1st grade field trip overwhelmingly favored grade-school favorite Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, giving that book the edge.

When asked about the narrow loss, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie replied "mmmrg hmg mmm!" and left the interview to find a glass of milk. Where's Spot was unavailable for comment as Spot was hiding under a blanket.

Discovery Center election officials report good turnout and smooth reporting, though concerns remain about unexpected write-in The Big Bad Wolf blowing houses down.

We'll add a special Chicka Chicka Boom Boom program to the calendar in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for that announcement!

As part of an election tradition, the week leading up to Election Day at the Discovery Center offers an opportunity for children to cast their ballots just like adults. Why do kids vote at the Discovery Center? Because playing pretend, or dramatic play, has significant educational and social benefits for children. Pretend voters can explore new interests and roles, plus develop early math concepts by counting, comparing quantities and communicating results.

Beyond the educational benefits, educating children about voting helps encourage lifelong voting habits and civic participation. The Discovery Center polling station includes age-appropriate voter education materials, including books families can read to learn more about voting, government, and history. Recommended books include:

  • This Little Voter board book by Little Bee Books (Author), Ann Bonnie (Author), Carol Herring (Illustrator)
  • U.S. Government (Baby's Big World) by Julia Garstecki (Author), Hilli Kushnir (Illustrator)
  • Equality's Call: The Story of Voting Rights in America by Deborah Diesen (Author), Magdalena Mora (Illustrator)
  • Monster Needs Your Vote by Paul Czajak (Author), Wendy Grieb (Illustrator)
  • Sofia Valdez, Future Prez (The Questioneers) by Andrea Beaty (Author), David Roberts (Illustrator)
  • Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio (Author), LeUyen Pham (Illustrator)
  • Learn Along Bingo for Ages 2-5: Let's Vote, a free, printable activity packet from PBS Kids

Kids vote at the Discovery Center in a realistic voting station with privacy partitions and a ballot designed to look exactly like what grown-ups use in Shawnee County. Children receive their ballots from the election official at the front desk, and after returning their completed ballot, get an "I Voted" sticker.

A child placing a voting paper in a ballot box

What kids vote on varies depending on the election. Children have voted for real candidates, science programs, favorite books, and exhibit names. Discovery Center staff designs the elections so that children can have a realistic voting experience and see the impact of their vote.

Museum admission is not required to vote, but it is required to enter the museum galleries. Admission also lets you play all day at the Discovery Center with over 15,000 square feet of indoor educational exhibits exploring science, careers, art, building and more, a 4.5 acre certified Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom and special space for babies and toddlers to explore.

More Election Resources for Kids

Kids Voting USA

Resources for parents and educators organizing voting events for children.

Visit Kids Vote USA

Let's Vote! Talking to Children About Voting from PBS Kids

A great collection of voting activities and videos for families.

Visit Let's Vote from PBS Kids

KSVotes.org Online Voter Registration Service

Check your voter registration status or polling place.

Visit KSVotes.org