8 Fun Books for Kids about Elections and Voting

As election day draws closer, these resources can help you teach your kids about the voting process in the United States. These excellent children’s books will help prepare them to understand the importance of voting and how they can make a difference in this small, yet important act.

I recently had someone message me with this question.

“I was wondering what resources/printables/lapbooks etc. you would recommend for teaching about the election process this year?” This comment prompted me to do some searching to find some good resources for homeschool moms to use to help prepare our kids for the upcoming election season.

The first place I looked was our local library. As much as I searched, I was a little disappointed in the selection of books I found. Most of the books I came across were told from more of a “school” perspective where kids learn about elections mostly in the context of a classroom and less from their parents.

I would love to see more books emphasize family conversations and parents taking their kids with them to vote. Nevertheless, this list is a good place for starters.

Below I have also included links to popular unit studies and YouTube videos for you to use in your homeschool to help you teach your kids about elections and voting.

Picture Books for Kids About Elections and Voting

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#1 One Vote, Two Votes, I Vote, You Vote

If you have young children, this is a great way to introduce them to the concept of voting by giving examples of all the things we vote for in daily life….like class president, snack, or a pet. Because of its 4-line rhyming pattern. this book is perfect for young readers. Although Dr. Seuss books can be a little silly, don’t mistake this book for fluff, however! It is full of tidbits of good information. Some concepts included in the book are the history of voting rights, different elected offices in government, political party affiliations, debates, and rallies.

#2 Duck For President by Doreen Cronin

In this funny story, we meet Duck who is tired of his farm chores. He decides to hold an election because he wants to do more than just be a duck. He wins the election, replacing the farmer, but he soon realizes that farming is hard work as well. So Duck tries to move on up by running for Governor and eventually President, winning each time. Little kids will be intrigued by this funny tale and they may learn that the simple house chores they have to do aren’t so bad after all!

#3 See How They Run by Susan E. Goodman and Elwood H. Smith

What I like about this book is the mix of facts and historic photos with colorful sketches and funny stories. From the silly illustrations to the cartoon bubbles, this book highlights the satire of American politics. It does a great job explaining the history of the democratic process, the purposes of political parties, and how the Electoral College works to ensure a fair election by equal representation of all the states.

#4 What’s the Big Deal About Elections

This book starts by describing how elections were celebrated over 200 years ago shortly after the Revolutionary War. The reader learns interesting facts about the importance of active participation in the Presidential election, how African Americans, women, and Native Americans won voting rights, the three branches of government, and how we choose our presidential candidates. This creative non-fiction book is informative with nice illustrations on each page which, I think, makes it an engaging book for independent readers.

#5 Today on Election Day by Catherine Stier

In the introduction of this book, Stier gives a short description of election day. She also tells information about the 15th amendment and the following amendments which allowed women and 18-year-old’s the freedom to vote. I found this very helpful. If you are looking for a book that will help kids see what elections are like through the eyes of a child who may be experiencing it for the very first time, Today On Election Day is an excellent choice! Kids will read about campaigns, the evolution of voting rights, debates, where a polling place might be located, different ways to vote, and more.

#6 The Night Before Election Day by Natasha Wing

This cute story is written in the style of Clement C. Moore who wrote “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” My favorite part of this picture book is that it is more family-centered. Mom and Dad take the kids to the rally at the town hall to observe the debates. They also take the kids voting with them. Later, at home, everyone watches the TV to see who will be our next President. In this rhyming story, a little girl tells how much work goes into the election process.

#7 So You Want to Be President? By Judith St. George

I like the funny introduction in this book which tells the good and bad parts about being President. For example, it’s good that the President lives at the White House, but the bad part is that he always has to be dressed up! This book is chock full of fun facts and funny stories about all the Presidents in history up to our present day. If you want your kids to learn about all the Presidents of the United States, this is the book to read!

#8 Know Your Government Non-Fiction Books

Perhaps one of the best ways to learn about the political process is to read non-fiction picture books. The Know Your Government books do a great job of describing why voting is so important and how the President is elected through the electoral process.

More Election Resources for Homeschoolers

These additional resources (many of them are free) are excellent, and perhaps more importantly, approved or created by other homeschool moms.

Unit Studies

Silo and Sage Government and Election Unit Studies– This is a family-style unit study geared toward upper elementary and middle aged children.

Sonlight Election A Guide to Elections Free Unit Study-This free Election Day unit study includes information on the three branches of government, election process and timeline, electoral process, and much more!

The Homeschool Mom Unit Study Elections Unit Study / Notebooking Unit (FREE)– This unit study is very thorough and has the student do some of the research and recording. Includes a crossword puzzle and word search.

Homeschool Compass FREE Presidents of the USA Homeschool Printables– This resource would double as a unit study to use around President’s Day as well. Printable includes “portraits of each president, fact cards, famous quotations for copywork, and a My Presidents Book for your kids to record what they’ve learned.”

Audio Books

Adventures in Odyssey: For God and Country– This is an excellent audiobook to give your kids some American history. Listen in the car or at home. The set includes 12 episodes on 4 CDs.

Lap Books

Homeschool in the Woods Lap Pak– My kids love these lap books! Through hands-on activities, kids will learn how a President is chosen, the Presidential campaign, and the US. government.

Other Resources

Whole Child Homeschool Homeschooling Election Resources for Your Family– This resource has printables, video links, and articles to help kids teach about the voting process.

Why and How to Teach Your Kids About American Independence

As election time draws near, I hope these resources can help you teach your kids about the importance of voting in the local, state elections, and the Presidential race. As you head to the ballot box to cast your vote, take your kiddos with you and show them how they can change the unwritten future of America.