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Episode 10: The Family Guide to Voting: Preparing Kids for the Midterms

How families can make voting and civic participation a habit that starts long before the first trip to the ballot box.

In this episode, Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, speaks with John Holbein of the University of Virginia and co-author of Making Young Voters: Converting Civic Attitudes into Civic Action. His research examines a striking gap between young people’s intention to participate and their ability to follow through and cast a ballot. As families prepare for the midterm elections, John and Julie share practical advice for families with children of all ages, from introducing young kids to elections and making voting a family experience to helping first-time voters navigate registration paperwork, find their polling places, and prepare to cast their ballots. They also explore ways to celebrate voting milestones and continue family voting traditions with adult children. Together, they discuss how everyday conversations and shared experiences can deepen children’s understanding of our constitutional democracy and build the confidence and habits that support lifelong voting and civic participation. 

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This episode was produced and mixed by Bill Pollock. With production support from Charles Sahm. Research was provided by Anna Salvatore and Tristan Worsham. 

 

Participants 

John Holbein is an associate professor of public policy, politics, and education at the University of Virginia and co-author of Making Young Voters: Converting Civic Attitudes into Civic Action. His research examines an important gap between young people’s intention to participate and their ability to follow through and cast a ballot.  

Julie Silverbrook is chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, where she leads the strategy, development, and delivery of the Center’s content, public programs, and educational initiatives, advancing its mission of nonpartisan constitutional education and civil dialogue. She oversees the creation of public-facing constitutional content and works to ensure the Center’s programs, scholarly engagement, and educational resources operate as a coordinated national strategy serving students, educators, families, and lifelong learners across the country. 

 

Additional Resources 

 

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