Engaging Election Day Activities for 1st & 2nd Grade

Election day activities and voting activities with elementary students is such a fun way to get them thinking about the democratic process from an early age. When you get them involved in election activities early on, this sets them up to make their voices heard in the future.

As a first and second grade teacher, you can focus on teaching students the basics of the election process without diving into specific candidates or political parties. This lets you keep things neutral and focused on the values of voting and fairness, without getting into the more divisive issues that can cause concern.

Today I’m sharing 4 Election Day and voting activities to help your students learn about voting and the election process.

Election Day Activities: Hold a Mock Election

One of the most engaging ways to teach young students about elections is by holding a mock election in the classroom. This is always one of students’ favorite election day activities! Instead of diving into specific political candidates, have your hold a mock election about kid-friendly topics.

Some ideas include:

Best Dessert: Cupcakes vs. Brownies
Best Cookie: Chocolate Chip vs. Sugar
What Should be the Class Mascot? Dragons vs. Koalas
Best Class Reward: Pajama Day vs. Extra Recess

Have students complete a voter registration card. Set up a classroom voting booth for students to cast their ballots, and guide them through the process of tallying votes to determine the winner.

Create Election Day Campaign Posters

Letting students create campaign posters is a fun, creative way to deepen their understanding of elections. Have them pick a favorite fictional character that they think would be a good class president from a book you’ve read. This activity not only brings out their artistic side but also encourages them to think critically about what makes a good leader.

As students work on their posters, use this as a teaching moment to discuss the qualities of strong leaders—such as fairness, kindness, and responsibility. Help them explain why their candidate is the best choice and learn how leaders communicate their ideas and inspire others to support them.

Election Day Activities for Reading and Writing

Start with completing a KWL chart about elections and voting with your students to see what they know. Encourage them to create questions about things they want to know, too.

Then, read election-themed texts that explain the basics of voting and elections. Introduce key vocabulary, too.

Make a Let’s Vote! Mini-Book

Teach your students five simple steps to casting their vote. Use the posters along with the student mini-books. Here are the five steps included:

Register to vote.
Go to your voting location.
Get your ballot.
Make your choice.
Get a sticker.

This mini-book incorporates key election vocabulary your students need to know, too!

Get 100 Pages of Election Day Activities Here!

This engaging resource will help your students learn about voting and elections and understand important election vocabulary! Add these activities to your social studies lessons!

Here’s why teachers love it:

It’s Elementary Appropriate! This resource is perfect for 1st & 2nd grade. It teaches all about elections and voting in a way that’s easy for them to grasp!
It’s Engaging! Students will LOVE getting involved by participating in a mock election!
It Includes Reading Comprehension! Use the Let’s Vote! mini-book to teach students the 5 steps to voting!

Click here to get your copy today!