Kids Vote for Obama in Cloquet, Esko

By lbaumann@pinejournal.com

November 05, 2008 at 11:00 PM

Adults don't get to have all the fun on Election Day. Students in Cloquet and Esko got in on the voting action Tuesday at their schools and polling places. And they took it very seriously, at least for the most part, at Washington Elementary in Cloquet.

"Our teacher told us what to do," said fourth-grader Kaylyn Sell, who was stationed outside the elaborately decorated voting booths, explaining the procedure to other students. "It's important."

Sell, along with her classmates in Tracy Mattson's class, acted as election judges, handing out ballots, keeping an eye on the ballot box and handing out "I voted" stickers.

"We went through the whole process with our students, the rights and responsibilities and what the parties believe," said Mattson. "All our classes are participating, with the help of Cloquet Community Education and non-profit organization Kids Voting Minnesota."

Esko students cast ballots in several races - for U.S. President, U.S. Senate, U.S. House 8th District and U.S. House 7th District.

Students at Washington and Churchill Elementary voted only for presidential candidates and although there were a few minor glitches, such as the voter who said she made a mistake on her ballot when she drew her "X" on the photo of Obama instead of next to it, things ran smoothly.

One participant tried hamming it up while in his voting booth by speaking loudly about who he should vote for, but Sell quickly put a stop to that.

"Quiet in the voting booths," she said.

Washington fourth-graders Morgan Leslie and Amarissa Skagerberg weren't shy about predicting the winner.

"Barack Obama," Leslie said with Skagerberg nodding in agreement. "I think he's popular."

Cloquet's Washington and Churchill Elementary results:

U.S. president

Barack Obama 711

John McCain 304

Esko Public Schools results:

U.S. president

Barack Obama 570

John McCain 406