In this school’s election, it’s pizza vs. chicken nuggets, with democracy as the

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In this school’s election, it’s pizza vs. chicken nuggets, with democracy as the winner



There’s blaring patriotic music from the loudspeaker as teachers and staff put finishing touches on decorations welcoming students on Voting Day. Books about democracy top the shelves at the entrance of the library. Every computer monitor reads “VOTE” in big letters, and red-white-and blue garlands line the walls.

In one corner, cardboard partitions serve as privacy booths for students to cast their ballots.

Setting aside for now the looming national election, the students at this tribal school in the swing state of Arizona will be voting on their favorite school lunch. The choice in this hard-fought campaign? Pizza, or chicken nuggets.

The stakes are high: Whichever menu item triumphs will be served next week as the students follow the U.S. presidential election. It’s part of a broader effort to teach even the youngest kids about democracy, and how their voices matter.

“I want these kids to grow up to be the voters of tomorrow,” says Dawn Burstyn-Meyers, who brought the annual event to this school 20 years ago, through a nonprofit called Kids Voting Arizona. “To maybe become a president or councilman to help their community.”

(more)
https://www.npr.org/2024/10/30/nx-s1-5170306/school-election-kids-vote-pizza-chicken-nuggets