Lessons in Civics

Election Day!!  To help our children better understand the process of our nation's election process we've been reading and learning more about it.

This morning while getting dressed I heard Delaney tell us all...."remember you've got to wear red today."  I asked her why, and she replied  "I don't know, Clarissa just told me we should."  I told them that their family is wearing red to show support for   Presidential candidate Mitt Romney."(and eating a dinner of all red foods)  I explained that the two political views each had a color to represent them. The Democrats use blue and a donkey as symbols, the Republicans use red and an elephant for their's.
"Oh!"  replied Delaney....then she noticed that Liam was wearing a blue shirt and said  "Quick Liam you're an Obama supporter....you've got to change!"  Liam then exclaimed...."Oh, I don't want to be an Obama,  Mom, will my Thomas the Tank Engine shirt work?,  It's red!"

Of course we had those who wanted to join us at the polling station come.  The lines weren't to bad, thankfully, because Brianne's been a bit cantankerous lately and she grew tired of our short wait.

We also had the opportunity to meet our Congressman  Morgan Griffith.  I think it helped them to see this process in a more real way to see that real people---people we can see and shake hands with-- are the ones running for election.  Rep. Griffith, along with Senator Allen were also on the ballet this year.

Back at home we read a book about a girl who ran for president in her school.  Grace for President.  From this we learned more about the electoral college process.  We also talked about the different types of votes there are.

After our own registration process, we all  voted on our dessert for that night.  The options were brownies with creamy fudge frosting or flaky apple pie.

The pie won by one vote....and the losers were most unhappy!!  Around here I think we'll stick with a monarchy system of government.  There's a lot less crying, stomping and unhappy little ones when I simply say..."Daddy wants apple pie!  and that's it!!"
Sadly the election did not turn out as we had hoped, (Morgan did keep his position), however there are lessons in that too.