PORTSMOUTH, Va. — For Mark Moten and his two kids, Election Day is an important day. While millions of Americans will head to the polls and cast their ballots. The Motens and other families in Portsmouth celebrated submitting their ballots and educating the future generation of voters.
“I want to vote for the right president and the right person for the right laws and rules,” Moten's son said.
Hosted by the YWCA of South Hampton Roads, the Election Day Party combined food and games into a fun and educational afternoon for the kids in attendance. It focused on the importance of civic engagement and the power of voting.
“Today is all about helping parents to engage with their young people in a very meaningful and impactful way and helping them to understand what civic responsibility is all about. As well as what does democracy really look like,” YWCA CEO Michelle Ellis Young said.
The elder Moten tells 13 News Now why days like today are important.
“If you want them to be engaged in civic activities and different things of that nature, you have to bring them out. You have to let them see it, let them be involved,” Moten said.
Between the laughter and ice cream, organizers said the event is about making sure future generations are informed about the issues that matter to them and more importantly how they can make their voices heard through civic engagement and the power of their vote.
“It's important for our young people to understand how democracy works and if we are fostering an environment that allows individuals to understand what freedoms in America looks like, then we have to start early with our children.” Ellis Young said.
The YWCA says it plans to do similar events in the future.