Make Election Day Engaging for Kids: A Free Printable Election Map Activity

Happy Election Day! It’s a day where every voice matters, a day where we participate in shaping the future of our communities and our country. I’ve always loved elections, the excitement, the debates, and the anticipation of the results. What’s even more rewarding is watching my children become increasingly interested in the democratic process as they grow older. Tonight, my enthusiastic seven-year-old exclaimed, “I wish I could vote!”

Indeed! Every citizen in this great nation has the right and the ability to make a difference. And make no mistake: casting your vote *does* matter! It’s a cornerstone of our democracy, a way for us to express our opinions and contribute to the decisions that affect our lives.

In past Presidential Elections, to help my children understand the election process better, I designed a free printable US Election Map for them to color. As the news networks announced which candidate won each state, my kids would diligently color that state accordingly, distinguishing between Democrat and Republican wins. It was a fun and interactive way for them to follow the election results and understand the electoral map.

Free Printable Election Night Coloring Map by Urban Bliss — A fun and educational activity for Election Night.

This year, even though it’s the mid-term election, you and your kids can still get into the election spirit together using this free printable Election Map. Instead of focusing solely on the Presidential race, you can track the hotly contested senate seats for each state! It’s a fantastic opportunity to discuss the importance of these races and how they impact the balance of power in Congress.

Why Use an Election Map with Kids?

Engaging children in the electoral process from a young age is crucial for fostering civic responsibility and a deeper understanding of how our government works. Using an election map provides a visual and interactive way to learn about:

Geography: Children can learn the names and locations of different states.
Civics: The map illustrates the concept of the electoral college (during Presidential elections) and the representation of states in the Senate and House of Representatives.
Political Parties: Color-coding the states helps children understand the basic divisions between political parties and their geographic strongholds.
Current Events: Following the election results in real-time encourages critical thinking and discussion about current events.

Furthermore, this activity helps develop fine motor skills (coloring within the lines!), promotes hand-eye coordination, and enhances attention span. It’s a win-win for both education and entertainment!

How to Use the Free Printable Election Map

Using the election map is incredibly simple:

Download and Print: Click on the link below to download the free election map. Print out as many copies as you need for your children and their friends.
Gather Supplies: You’ll need crayons, colored pencils, or markers in different colors to represent the different political parties or candidates.
Follow the Election Results: Tune in to your favorite news source or follow the results online.
Color the States: As the states are called for each candidate or party, color them in on the map.
Discuss the Results: Talk about the outcomes with your children. What do the results mean? How do they feel about the election?

This activity can be adapted for different age groups. Younger children can simply focus on coloring the states according to the winning party, while older children can research the candidates and discuss the issues at stake.

Beyond the Map: Expanding Election Day Education

The election map is a great starting point, but there are many other ways to make Election Day a learning opportunity for your children:

Read Books About Elections: There are many excellent children’s books that explain the election process in an age-appropriate way.
Watch Educational Videos: PBS Kids and other educational websites offer videos that teach children about civics and government.
Hold a Mock Election: Let your children vote on their favorite books, movies, or even dinner options! This will give them a firsthand experience of the voting process.
Visit Your Local Polling Place: Take your children with you when you go to vote (if allowed). This will show them that voting is a civic duty and a valuable part of our democracy.
Discuss the Importance of Voting: Explain to your children why it’s important to vote and how their voices can make a difference.

By incorporating these activities into your Election Day celebrations, you can help your children develop a lifelong appreciation for democracy and civic engagement.

Adapting the Map for Different Elections

While the original inspiration for this map was a Presidential Election, it’s easily adaptable for other types of elections:

Mid-term Elections: Focus on the Senate and House races. Color code states based on which party wins each seat. Discuss the importance of these races in controlling Congress.
Local Elections: Create a map of your city or county and color in districts based on the winners of local races. This can help children understand the importance of local government and how it impacts their daily lives.
School Elections: Use a map of your school to track the results of student council elections.

The key is to tailor the activity to the specific election and the age of your children. The goal is to make learning about elections fun, engaging, and relevant to their lives.

Building Future Voters

By making Election Day a family affair and incorporating fun and educational activities like the free printable election map, we can inspire the next generation of voters and create a more informed and engaged citizenry. Let’s teach our children that their voices matter and that they have the power to shape the future of our country.

Remember, civic engagement starts at home. By fostering a love of learning and a sense of responsibility, we can empower our children to become active and informed participants in our democracy.

Get Your Free Printable Election Map Now!

Ready to get started? Click on the link below to download your free printable election map and make this Election Day a memorable and educational experience for your family!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE ELECTION MAP from Urban Bliss Life

Additional Images for Inspiration

Here are some more visuals to spark your creativity:

Happy Election Day to all US voters! Let your voice be heard and let’s make a difference together!