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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Jeanette Senecal brings her children to vote so they can see democracy practiced—not just discussed in school. In her personal essay, she explains how voting can open a broader conversation about community decisions, civic participation, and forming independent views.
Senecal’s account is a parent’s explanation, not a study showing that taking children to a polling place produces particular long-term effects. Her point is simpler: children can see civic participation as something people do together, and begin asking what it means.
In the essay, published October 3, 2026, Senecal says her children were 11 and 9. She also describes having spent nearly 30 years at the League of Women Voters helping people participate in democracy. Those details provide context for her perspective at the time of publication.
Why Senecal brings her children to vote
To make democracy visible
Senecal writes, “I want my kids to see democracy in action: something people do, not just something they learn about in school.” Bringing her children along gives them a chance to observe voting as a real community activity rather than an abstract lesson.
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To connect public decisions to everyday life
She explains that decisions made by elected officials can affect things children encounter in their communities, including schools, parks, playgrounds, pools, libraries, roads, and bike lanes. This is her explanation of why public decisions matter to her family, not a policy analysis of how any particular decision is made.
To make participation feel familiar
Senecal hopes that seeing adults take part will help voting feel like a recognizable part of civic life as her children grow up. As she puts it, “No one wakes up on their 18th birthday automatically knowing how to participate in democracy.” This is her personal rationale, not evidence that polling-place visits produce a specific outcome.
Voting is one part of civic participation
Senecal’s essay does not treat voting as the only way to take part. She describes other ways people can engage with public issues and local decision-making:
- Learn about issues and ask questions.
- Contact elected officials.
- Speak at school-board or city-council meetings.
- Organize with other people.
Her point is not that children need to do all of these things, but that civic participation extends beyond casting a ballot. “Voting is important, but it’s not the only answer.”
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Senecal says she does not tell her children what to think or whom to support. Instead, she hopes they will look for reliable information, listen, ask questions, and reach their own conclusions. That approach lets a family discuss public issues without treating a child’s agreement with a parent as the goal.
- Explain what is happening in age-appropriate terms.
- Make room for questions, including ones you may not be able to answer on the spot.
- Talk about how issues connect to the places and services children know.
- Encourage them to consider information and viewpoints before deciding what they think.
Make room for the practical friction
Senecal acknowledges that voting can take longer when her children come along because they have questions. Her account presents that extra time as part of the experience, not as proof that every visit will be easy or educational in the same way.
Her essay does not establish a recommended age for bringing children, prove developmental benefits, or specify whether children may enter or accompany voters in every polling place. Rules and procedures depend on the relevant jurisdiction. Check with your local election office before bringing a child, and do not assume a child may enter every area or handle a ballot.
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