Kids Voting USA — and in Hays (VIDEO)

Garrett Wellbrock, O'Loughlin Elementary School 5th grader, casts his vote before class started Tuesday. — Garrett Wellbrock, O’Loughlin Elementary School 5th grader, casts his vote before class starts.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

There were some very young voters joining their parents at the Hays American Legion on Tuesday morning.

Too young to vote in the actual mid-term election, yet young enough to participate in the national Kids Voting USA project.

Poll booth volunteer Niki Clark is normally headed to her Nex-Tech job about 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays. This Tuesday however, she was helping out at the Kids Voting USA booth. It’s open to Hays students, kindergarten through high school, who are not yet 18 years old.

“We’re helping the kids to develop a lifelong habit of voting and citizenship. They talk about the election and who’s running in school, and hopefully, at home with their parents. Then they get to come in and ‘vote’ by marking their own special paper ballot,” Clark explained.

Volunteer Niki Clark shows the Kids Voting USA-Kansas ballot used in Hays.

The kids’ ballots include pictures of the Kansas candidates running for the U.S. Senate, 1st Congressional district, governor and the state 111th and 110th districts.

“Once the child deposits his ballot, he gets an “I Voted’ sticker to wear — similar to what adults get — and something adults don’t get — a coupon good for a free McDonald’s treat,” she added.”

Clark said Kids Voting USA is available before school, after school and from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday in Hays.

Results will be compiled by Hays High School students and shared with the Hays schools.