On November 4, 2008, history was made as the United States of America elected its first African American President. On November 4, 2008, the Virginia Minnesota’s Schools also made history by continuing to be number one in terms of K-12 turnout in the nation for four elections and in the state for ten years.

The Kids Voting Program was set up to promote the idea that everyone has a voice in the election process and that by exposing them to a mock vote early, they will grow up used to the process and will continue to vote when they turn 18. Students were to accompany their parents to polling sites and cast their vote at the Kids Voting booths set up at the Miner’s Memorial Building, Parkview School, The Columbia, Pike Town Hall, Sandy Town Hall, Wuori Town Hall, or the Sand Lake Chapel. For students who are open-enrolled, they were given the opportunity to vote in their classroom by absentee ballot.

The essence of the Kids Voting program can be found in the curriculum run throughout the Virginia School system. Voting is an important organization across the state and the U.S. It teaches kids that every vote counts. The Coleman/Franken race is a good example of this. This near-tie may be due to the fostering of young people’s minds in the Kids Voting Program so that they get involved, get informed, and get out and vote.