An election season tradition for youth is returning in Erie County. That’s Kids Voting USA, a nationwide, non-partisan initiative that gives school children a chance to cast a ballot of their own.
This year features selections for the Buffalo mayoral primary, as well as suburban races. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said it’s a good way to foster civic engagement for youth.
“We know and historical data shows that the more a child participates in the voting process, even if it's just coming with their parents or grandparents when they vote, the more likely they will be to vote themselves when they become of age and actually can register to vote," said Poloncarz.
Social studies teacher and county historical commission chair Rich Pyszczek said the county is hoping to be a state leader in bringing back election initiatives like kids voting.
“Our plan is for this year coming up to expand to more schools," he said. "In the charter schools, public schools and even the private schools, and having supporting educational programming with that. We'll have lesson plans around it."
There’s some “celebrity candidates” in certain uncontested races. For Erie County Sheriff, Republican John Garcia is going against Deputy Dawg and Wyatt Earp.
The only polling place in Erie County with a Kids Voting USA booth is the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site on Delaware Avenue in downtown Buffalo. Erie County residents can early vote at any location in the county, not just in the town or city they reside.
While the youth vote doesn’t count in actual results, the votes will be tallied and posted online.
