Web Site of the Month: ZOOM Out the Vote

pbskids.org/zoom/fromyou/elections/index.html

ZOOM, the popular PBS television series, wants kids to help get out the vote. Thanks to the series' new Web page, ZOOM Out the Vote, youngsters can learn about the democratic process, while encouraging the adults in their lives to go forth and cast their ballots come Election Day.

ZOOM Wants You: The site makes the case that every vote counts and shows kids how they can increase voter turnout in their community by hosting a voter registration drive. To support their efforts, the site provides PDF-format printouts, such as voter registration forms; details on state registration; and "Vote!" banners, signs, stickers, and bookmarks. (Parents are forewarned: the site urges kids to post these reminders all over the house.) Kids can then submit the number of grown-ups they got to register to vote on the site's registration tally.

There's also information on how students can become involved in politics locally and nationally, with additional resources to help them learn more about the U.S. political system.

And, on November 2, students can exercise the right of franchise by casting their own votes in ZOOM's kid's presidential election.