In a Carmel Valley neighborhood, the ballot box and ballots are ready, as a special election day for kids is set to take place. This unique event, organized by local mom Rachel Carnick, aims to engage young minds in the democratic process and foster a sense of civic responsibility from an early age.

Inspiring the Leaders of Tomorrow

Fostering Civic Engagement Among Youth

Recognizing the importance of nurturing a strong civic culture, Rachel Carnick has taken it upon herself to create a platform for the younger generation to exercise their right to vote. By hosting a mock election in her cul-de-sac, Carnick is providing an opportunity for children to experience the thrill of the democratic process firsthand.The event will feature a range of hotly contested races, including the race for President, as well as some intriguing propositions, such as "Best food," "Best cookie," and "Best school subject." Carnick's goal is to make the experience both informative and enjoyable, ensuring that the kids are engaged and eager to participate.

Empowering Young Voices

Among the first to cast a ballot will be 9-year-old Orly, who understands the significance of this opportunity. "It's our right to have it. I think that's mostly what I've heard and mostly what I think is important," she said. "I want to have the opportunity to learn who the options are and decide for myself who is the best leader."Carnick's initiative is a direct response to the perceived disenfranchisement of youth in the political system. "We have a lot of youth that are disenfranchised in the political system. Don't believe it works for them. Don't understand it. Maybe feel like their voice isn't important. This is a way to give them a voice," she explained.

Fostering Civility and Engagement

In 2020, Carnick organized a similar event, which saw around 40 kids turn out to cast their votes. The experience was a resounding success, with Carnick noting that the "biggest win" for her was witnessing the children engaging in discussions with one another about their votes and the reasons behind their choices."There were kids talking, which was the biggest win for me, to other kids about their vote and why they voted that way," Carnick said. "I'm hoping to accomplish engagement and civility between kids."As the special election day approaches, all eyes will be on the results, which will be posted in the cul-de-sac shortly after 7:30 p.m. on election night. This event serves as a testament to the power of grassroots initiatives in fostering civic engagement and empowering the next generation of leaders.