SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC NEWS)– Jamie and Jim Sidnik brought along two future voters to the polls today. Their 6-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son joined them early this morning at the Bellewood Baptist Church poll site and it was not the first time.
The Sidniks are regular voters in Syracuse and have been for their whole lives. Jamie said her dad was very involved in voting in her youth and is the reason for her long standing interest.
Growing up with voting being celebrated in her family is why she wants to start her kids young. While she understands they do not yet understand the process, she finds the exposure to be effective.
Her daughter is beginning to become more curious as well.
“She just asked what it was so we just tried to explain what voting is and what elections are, so tried to explain that as best as you can to a six year old.” Jamie said.
As an AP government teacher at Liverpool High School, she also practices what she preaches. She tries to instill to her students the importance of democracy .
“It’s not just voting for the sake of voting,” she said. “It’s exercising the vote because you have a vested interest in it and you know what it is you’re voting for.”
