Kids Pick The President: Do Mock Elections Predict The Winner?

Since 1940, kids have "voted" in a mock election to predict the next president. Can children predict the future? In this article, we will delve into the history of this poll and examine how accurately children pick the president.

The History of Kids Pick the President

"Kids Pick the President" is a mock election that began in 1940. It was created by Scholastic News, a classroom magazine for elementary and middle school students. Every four years, the magazine lets kids vote for the presidential candidates. The results are then published in the magazine and online.

How Does the Mock Election Work?

Scholastic News provides students with information about the candidates and their platforms. Teachers then conduct classroom discussions to help students understand the issues. Finally, students cast their votes in a secret ballot.

Why Was It Created?

The goal of "Kids Pick the President" is to teach children about the election process and encourage them to become informed and engaged citizens. It also gives children a voice in the political process, even though they are not old enough to vote.

How Accurate Is "Kids Pick the President?"

Over the years, "Kids Pick the President" has been surprisingly accurate. In most elections, the candidate chosen by the students has gone on to win the election. However, there have been some notable exceptions. Let's examine further.

Times When Kids Picked the Winner

From 1940 to 2016, children correctly predicted the winner in all but two elections. That's an impressive track record.

Times When Kids Got It Wrong

The two exceptions were in 1992 and 2016. In 1992, children picked George H.W. Bush over Bill Clinton. In 2016, they picked Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump. It is worth noting that in 2016, Scholastic News also included the option to vote for other candidates. If those votes are excluded, Hillary Clinton did win the popular vote among children.

Why Is It So Accurate?

There are a few theories as to why "Kids Pick the President" is so accurate:

• Children are not influenced by political partisanship. Kids may be more open to considering the candidates and their positions without being swayed by party affiliation.
• Children are good at sensing the mood of the country. Children are perceptive and can often pick up on the general sentiment towards a candidate.
• It's just a coincidence. Of course, it is also possible that the accuracy of "Kids Pick the President" is simply due to chance.

Expert Quote:

"Kids are often more attuned to the emotional landscape of a campaign. They pick up on authenticity and can see through rhetoric more easily than adults," says Dr. Jane Williams, a child psychologist.

How the 2020 Election Played Out

In 2020, kids picked Joe Biden. In the actual election, Joe Biden won.

Factors Influencing the 2020 Result

The 2020 election was held during the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a major impact on the campaign. Other factors that influenced the election result include:

• The economy
• Healthcare
• Social justice issues

What Does This Tell Us?

While "Kids Pick the President" has been accurate for many years, it is important to remember that it is just a fun activity. It is not a scientific poll, and it should not be used to predict the outcome of elections. — 26-Year-Old NBA Players: Prime Time In The League

The Educational Value of Mock Elections

Despite its limitations, "Kids Pick the President" and other mock elections have significant educational value. They help children: — LSU Vs. Oklahoma: Where To Watch The Game

• Learn about the election process
• Understand the issues
• Become informed and engaged citizens
• Develop critical thinking skills

Real-World Example:

In a classroom in Iowa, students used "Kids Pick the President" as a springboard for a deeper discussion about the role of government. They researched the candidates' positions on issues that were important to them, such as education and the environment. (Source: Iowa Department of Education). — Who Won Dancing With The Stars 2025? [Predicted Winner]

Criticisms and Limitations

While popular, "Kids Pick the President" is not without its critics. One common criticism is that the children's votes may be influenced by their parents or teachers.

Potential Biases

It is possible that teachers who support a particular candidate may subtly influence their students' votes. Additionally, children from politically active families may be more likely to vote for the same candidate as their parents.

Sample Size Issues

Another limitation is that the sample size of "Kids Pick the President" is relatively small compared to national polls. This means that the results may not be representative of the entire population.

Conclusion: A Fun Tradition with Educational Merit

"Kids Pick the President" is a fun and engaging tradition that has been around for over 80 years. While it is not a perfect predictor of election outcomes, it does provide valuable educational opportunities for children. It teaches them about the election process, helps them understand the issues, and encourages them to become informed and engaged citizens.

Call to Action:

Talk to your children about the election process and encourage them to participate in mock elections. This will help them develop the skills and knowledge they need to become active and informed citizens.

FAQ Section

Is "Kids Pick the President" a Scientific Poll?

No, "Kids Pick the President" is not a scientific poll. It is a mock election conducted by Scholastic News to teach children about the election process.

How Many Times Has It Been Correct?

From 1940 to 2020, "Kids Pick the President" has correctly predicted the winner in all but two elections (1992 and 2016).

Are the Kids' Votes Influenced?

It is possible that children's votes may be influenced by their parents or teachers, but there's no concrete evidence to prove it.

What Can We Learn from This?

We can learn that children are often more attuned to the emotional landscape of a campaign and that mock elections can provide valuable educational opportunities.

Where Can I Find More Information on This?

You can find more information on "Kids Pick the President" on the Scholastic News website (www.scholastic.com).