Yes, you can take your kids with you to vote tomorrow, as long as they’re younger than 17 — but that’s easier said than done, especially if you want to remain sane.
Voter stress is a real thing, and it’s not likely to let up soon — even after the election ends. Adding to that stress is the logistical nightmare of actually taking the kids with you to the polls and braving the hours-long wait times.
If your kids are running between booths playing hide and go seek, you’ll probably be asked to leave without a chance to cast your vote. Keep ’em distracted!
No matter when you go, you’re likely to face long lines. Counties across the country report a record number of early voters. Harris County, in Texas, saw a record-breaking first day of early voting, with as many as 20,000 more voters than administrators were expecting.
Unless you’re going to fork out the cash for a babysitter — a national average of $13.44 an hour — you’re probably going to have to haul your children with you to vote. Here are some tips to curb stress while you wait to perform your civic duty.
Bring the toys and snacks.
Even if you’re at an amusement park, your kids are going to complain about a two-hour line. Who knows what stage of meltdown they will be in after waiting for two hours to enter a curtained booth? You’re going to have to break out the snacks — maybe even the unhealthy ones they love and you feel guilty about. Bring books that will keep them entertained and don’t forget their favorite toys.
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That first tip is important, because if your kids disturb the voting process, you may be asked to leave.
If your kids are running between booths playing hide and go seek, you’ll probably be asked to leave without a chance to cast your vote. So keep them distracted. When all else fails, hand them your smartphone and invite them to play mindless games while you wait. For one day, it doesn’t count as bad parenting.
Explain the democratic process.
This may sound boring to little kids — but it’s important for them to know how the voting process works. Help them understand that you’re shaping history by how you cast your vote. Teach them about notable presidents of the past, such as Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. You could even let them push the buttons or pull the levers to cast your vote so they feel part of this important process.
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Check with your local precinct to see if there are limitations on the number of kids you can bring with you.
If you’re one of those lucky parents with lots of children, you’ll need to check your local guidelines to see how many of them are allowed to come with you. Yes, you’re allowed to bring some of your kids — but maybe not all.
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Keep the selfies outside.
You might want to document your child’s first “voting visit,” but keep in mind that photos, videos, and selfies are not always allowed in voting booths or at voting stations. In fact, in Wisconsin, Illinois, North Carolina, and others, it could get you arrested.
If you want a photo of your kid with an “I Voted” sticker, take it outside.
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