Office of the Santa Fe County Clerk > Community Outreach > KidsVote

KidsVote

KATHARINE E. CLARK | Clerk (D) | Term 2025 - 2028

KidsVote: Practice Makes Future Voters

Now expanding as KidsVote: Democracy Delivered

KidsVote is a hands-on civics program from the Santa Fe County Clerk’s Office that gives children a chance to practice voting in a fun, low-pressure way. During election season, kids who come with a parent/guardian can cast a practice ballot on kid-friendly contests (think: favorite ice cream), use real-looking ballots and tabulators, and take home an “I Voted” sticker.

Outside of election season, KidsVote: Democracy Delivered brings the same experience directly to classrooms and youth programs, making participation easier for schools that may not be able to organize field trips.

KidsVote group photo with Clerk Katharine E. Clark and children

How It Works

KidsVote is a hands-on civics activity offered by the Santa Fe County Clerk’s Office. Kids fill out a short practice ballot and feed it into a tabulator — just like grown-ups — then take home an “I Voted” sticker. The program now runs both at early voting sites during elections and as KidsVote: Democracy Delivered visits to schools and youth programs.

  • Builds comfort with voting equipment and the polling place.
  • Turns voting into a family activity — no extra childcare needed when offered at polling sites.
  • Brings civics directly into classrooms, eliminating transportation barriers.
  • Plants lifelong civic habits in a fun, low-pressure way.

Who can participate?

  • During elections: Any child who accompanies a parent/guardian to an early voting site where KidsVote is offered.
  • During the school year: Students at Santa Fe County schools and youth programs that schedule a KidsVote: Democracy Delivered visit.

Does this affect real results? No. KidsVote uses a separate practice ballot and tabulator.

Cost? Free for families and participating schools/youth programs.

Where KidsVote Happens

KidsVote now has two main formats: at the polls during election season, and on-site visits to schools and youth programs. Election-season details below reflect the 2025 Regular Local Election and are kept here for reference.

KidsVote: Democracy Delivered (School & Youth Visits)

Beginning in 2026, the Clerk’s Office is expanding KidsVote by bringing the program directly to classrooms and youth-serving programs throughout Santa Fe County. Our staff brings practice ballots, a tabulator, and “I Voted” stickers; you provide the students and a space to set up.

  • Available for Santa Fe County schools and youth programs at no cost.
  • Flexible for different grade levels and civics lessons.
  • Can be tailored to fit into social studies, government, or project days.

Want KidsVote: Democracy Delivered at your school or program?
Contact our Voter Outreach Coordinator to request a visit or join the interest list:

Voter Outreach Coordinator: Margaret Gouws
Email: megillett@santafecountynm.gov

Photos from Past KidsVote

Clerk Katharine E. Clark helping child casting practice ballot
Clerk Clark explains ballot tabulators
Four kids filling out practice ballots with Clerk Katharine E. Clark
Clerk Clark helps kids fill out ballots
Children casting practice ballots with Clerk Katharine E. Clark
Clerk Clark helps kids cast ballots

Questions?

Santa Fe County Clerk’s Office
Phone: 505-995-2788
Email: clerk@santafecountynm.gov

For KidsVote and youth outreach requests, you can also contact:
Voter Outreach Coordinator, Margaret Gouws
Email: megillett@santafecountynm.gov