FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does Kids Voting Hawaii Work?
Cutting edge Internet technology is the key to Kids Voting Hawaii (KVH). High tech combines with civics education to inspire youth to explore the candidates and issues, and gives students a voice in the political process.
Teachers introduce students to the Kids Voting curriculum to enable them to make educated choices in the upcoming General Election.
This year, there will be a KVH Mock Primary Election from September 3 through 18 for the major races (Governor, Lt. Governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House and Mayors for Honolulu, Maui and Kauai). No passwords will be needed.
For the KVH General Election, students will receive individual passwords from a teacher at their school in late September or early October. The password is to be used when they log on to kidsvotinghawaii.org.
To vote in the KVH General Election, each student will enter his/her password and family’s precinct and district numbers to generate ballots that are virtually the same as what adult voters will see on General Election Day. A less complicated ballot will be offered to K-3 voters. Students can vote anywhere there is an Internet connection (e.g., at school, at home, at the library).
Are there any Internet browser requirements?
Yes, it is best to use updated Internet browsers such as Firefox (all users), Safari (Mac), Internet Explorer 7 or 8 (Windows), Chrome or Opera (for PC, Mac, and Linux). This is especially important when students attempt to vote online.
What if my child does not receive a password in school or is home-schooled?
Please contact your child’s teacher to find out if or when passwords will be distributed. If his/her teacher informs you that your child will not be given a password or if your child is home-schooled, please send a message via “Contact Us”.
Are Kids Voting Hawaii ballots secret?
Every vote that is submitted in the Kids Voting Hawaii General Election is private and secure. When a student submits a completed ballot, the teacher will receive electronic notification that the student has voted, but not how that student voted.
Will there be special student issues on the ballot?
Yes. The issues were suggested by the representative of the State Council, who attends KVH Board meetings, and other Student Council leaders. These issues have since been formulated into age-specific questions of interest to students The ballot issues will be presented in a ‘yes/no’ answer format.
How can parents get involved?
Students are encouraged to discuss the candidates and issues with their parents, friends, and relatives. Parents can ask to see the on-line practice ballot, and take a virtual tour of the Kids Voting Hawaii Website, so they can prepare for General Election Day. Parents are encouraged to provide their children access to home or office computers, and to set an example by voting in the Primary and General Elections.
