In a recent study by the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), youth aged 15 to 24 said they lacked interest, trust and knowledge about American politics. "Participation optional is the attitude most young American's have about voting," the study concludes. Just one in five 18-24 year olds voted in the 1998 midterm elections. Among the same age-group turnout during presidential elections from 1972 to 1996 dropped by 18 percentage points.

Before you start blaming this all on young people, turnout by eligible adults during that same time period has also declined by nine percentage points.

What is fascinating with this study is that despite the voter apathy among young people, volunteerism and community involvement are at an all time high in our country.

What's the point here? Families, communities, schools, and the media need to realize that we have an opportunity here to make a point with young people and their younger siblings that voting is a form of community involvement and activism.

Where do we start? In our homes. Just like literacy, a child's voting habits are formed by example and practice.

Why Model Family Citizenship?
Children learn by what they see, not by what they hear. Parents who exhibit responsible behavior teach their children on a daily basis about the behavior that is expected of them.

Citizenship is something that needs to be nurtured to become a habit. Children who see parents demonstrate concern for our democracy by voting learn that this is a positive activity which is of value to their family and society.

Turn the 2000 election into a learning experience for your entire family. Take your kids to the polls no matter what their age, and let them see you vote.

Families Voting 2000: Getting Started
Are you registered to vote? Contact your county clerk or the Secretary of State's Office for more information.

Do you know where to vote? Look on your voter identification card for the precinct number and polling place. You can also call the city or township clerk's office for more information.

• What if I can't get to the polls? Write the clerk's office and request an absentee ballot.
• I heard you cannot bring your kids into the voting booth with you. This is not true. Your kids are legally allowed to come with you into the voting booth as long as they are not eligible to vote. Bring along books, puzzles and snacks for your child so they have something to do while you wait.
• But I don't have transportation. It's too inconvenient to vote. Most communities have organizations who provide free rides to the polls on election day. Some public transportation systems offer free rides if you show your vote id.

Elections and the Internet
Will the Internet be to politics in 2000 what television was in 1960? Probably not, but families who are voting with children in mind can find tremendous resources on the Internet to study child and family issues, study candidate positions, and learn more about our democratic process. Here's a list of Web sites for Families who are Voting in 2000. Websites for children and youth:

• Kids Voting USA (Games, activities, curriculum)
• CloseUp Foundation First Vote
• Project Vote Smart Classroom
• Rock the Vote
• American History

National Election Sites:

• Web White and Blue (best umbrella site around)
• C-Span Campaign 2000
• League of Women Voters
• Democracy Network (DNET) (links to state and local voting and political party info) Vote Smart
• Connect for Kids

We hope that you will join us in adopting the goal of family voter turnout to build better communities for kids, and as a key advocacy strategy in the new millennium. Michele Strasz and Wendy Shepherd are Catalyst for Action Consultants and Publishers of JumpStart Michigan, an interactive magazine for child advocates in Michigan, they are also Connect for Kids State Reporters.