In the United States, every citizen has the right to vote. A vote is a choice that can be counted. People make choices by voting almost every day. Just like your vote for a pizza or a hamburger!

Sometimes, people do not agree on something. One way to decide is to give everyone an equal chance to vote.

The United States is a democracy. We have a government that is run by its people. We get to make decisions that affect our country. One of the most important decisions we have is to vote for our leaders.

Why is it Important to Vote?

Imagine that only a few people could vote for our leaders. Now imagine that those leaders decided boys and girls would go to separate schools. School would be open all year with only a three-week vacation. Would you be happy with these changes?

Voting is very important. It is a way to make sure that every citizen has a voice. When we vote, we let our leaders know what is important to us. Our vote also sends a message when we agree or disagree with a decision.

Have you ever wondered who decides what you learn in school or how you are tested? The people we vote for make these decisions. They also make decisions that affect every part of our lives.

In our homes and daily life:

  • How much we pay for food, gasoline and medicine
  • Who gets health insurance and how much it will cost

In our schools and communities

  • How much money schools get from the state
  • When new highways and libraries can be built

In our environment

  • How we protect our land, animals and resources
  • How we deal with pollution

Voting in a Presidential Election

In the past, only white men could vote. They needed to own land. They also needed to be 21 years old. To vote in a presidential election today, you must be:

  • a United States Citizen.
  • at least 18 years old.
  • registered to vote

You may not be able to vote in the 2008 election, but in a few years, you will have the chance to vote.

Look at the chart to find the year that you can vote in a presidential election.

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