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Hernando Today

Youngsters Invited To The Election Polls Tuesday

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By KYLE MARTIN

Hernando Today

Published: November 1, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - Neither of the senators vying for president has a ban on homework and early bedtime as central planks in their platforms.

But that shouldn't discourage youngsters from heading to the polls on Tuesday.

Hernando County's elections office has teamed up with a nonprofit group called Kids Voting Tampa Bay to give children a chance to cast a mock ballot by their parents' side.

The length of the ballot varies by age. Kindergartners receive a ballot with the presidential candidates; children in grades fourth and fifth will also vote for congressional delegates; grades sixth through eighth, state representatives; and ninth through 12th will get to pick all of those candidates, plus the amendments.

It's similar to the type of classroom programs the elections office hosts throughout the year, including one for favorite Dr. Seuss book, said Supervisor of Elections Annie Williams.

"It's just another level for them," Williams said.

The ultimate goal is to instill a sense of civic activism in the youngsters at an early age, she said.

The results will be tallied and later released by Kids Voting Tampa Bay.
Mock ballots can be cast today at the Brooksville elections office from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Voting for children runs from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Nov. 4; only the following precincts will feature the mock ballots: 6, 7, 8, 9, 11,12,14,16, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 34, 41, 43, 44, 46, 48, 51, 53 and 56.

For more information, visit kvtb.org.

Reporter Kyle Martin can be reached at 352-544-5271 or kmartin@hernandotoday.com.

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