Teaching about Election Day and voting can sometimes feel like a daunting task, but it is also so important.  There are so many important conversations to be had with upper elementary students when covering the election.  You can discuss why we vote, why it is important to vote, how did we get the right to vote, political vocabulary such as ballot, candidate, midterm, primary, and more.

There are so many great books out there to help open up the discussion about Election Day and voting…here are some of my favorites.

1. Vote for Our Future by Margaret McNamara

“Vote for Our Future” is a story about a school that closes on Election Day to be a polling place.  The students encourage their families, friends, and community members to vote because voting is how the country sees change for the future.

2. V is for Voting by Kate Farrell

“V is for Voting” is a beautifully illustrated alphabet book for all ages.  It shares the importance of democracy and voting, each page is an important discussion about voting.

3. The Next President by Kate Messner

“The Next President” is a great informative text that shares interesting facts about the presidents and American History.  It shares fun facts about what the presidents were doing before they were the next president and how there could be future presidents alive today.

4. Equality's Call: The Story of Voting Rights in America by Deborah Diesen

“Equality's Call” is an inspiring story about all of the people that fought so long and so hard to make sure we all have the right to vote.  It teaches how much of a privilege it is to be able to vote and how “a right isn't a right until it is granted to all.”  An inspiring Election Day story to share with all students.

5. What's the Big Deal About Elections? by Ruby Shamir

“What's the Big Deal About Elections?” is another informative text that gives students a great background in why elections matter and how we each play our part.

6. A Kid's Book About Voting by Next Up

“A Kids Book About Voting” breaks things down into questions and answers in a way kids can understand.  It tells about the history of voting rights and how each vote is important and makes a difference.  If you've read any in this series, you will enjoy reading this with your students.

7. I Voted: Making a Choice Makes a Difference by Mark Shulman

“I Voted: Making a Choice Makes a Difference” is a cute story that starts with small choices to more complicated decisions like electing representatives.  The story is funny and explains that your vote matters!

8. Lillian's Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by Jonah Winter & Shane W. Evans

“Lillian's Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965” tells the moving story of one hundred year old Lillian's determination and will to earn her right to her first vote as an Black woman in America.  It is a powerful story that will reinforce the hardships that others have gone through to make their voices heard.

9. So You Want to Be President? by Judith St. George

“So You Want to Be President?” is a fun book that looks at facts about the first 42 presidents.  It shares facts and stories, but is only shared through President George W. Bush.

10. ABC…What an Informed Voter You'll Be by Modern Kid Press

“ABC…What an Informed Voter You'll Be” is another alphabet book with an overview of the American government and influential leaders.

11.  Grandaddy's Turn: A Journey to the Ballot Box by Michael S. Bandy and Eric Stein

“Grandaddy's Turn: A Journey to the Ballot Box” is a powerful true story about growing up in the segregated South and the journey of Michael's Grandad and his first time to vote.

 12. For Which We Stand: How Our Government Works and Why It Matters by Jeff Foster

“For Which We Stand: How Our Government Works and Why It Matters” is an entertaining and factual story about our government and how it works.  It teaches important parts of an election like the Electoral College and the branches of government but also gives students a backstory about the Declaration of Independence and more.

13. Sofia Valdez, Future Prez by Andrea Beaty

“Sofia Valdez, Future Prez” is a fun story to teach your students that even though they cannot vote yet, they can still make a difference.  One voice can make a difference!

14. Election Day Close Reading Passage

Close reading allows students to read an informational passage about Election Day and dig deep into the main idea, vocabulary, and allows them to make inferences.  There is also an extension activity for students to watch a video about Election Day and tell how they can encourage adults that they know to vote.  This passage is part of a pack of November themed close reading passages and includes digital and printable versions.  You can find these passages HERE.

15. Election Day Foldable Book

When you are done reading and soaking up all of the information these amazing books offer about Election Day and voting, this foldable book is a fun activity to wrap up student's learning.  There are short writing prompts about Election Day, voting, and vocabulary.  There are printable and digital versions included!

I hope you found some new ways to discuss Election Day and voting in your classroom.  There are so many great conversations to share with your future voters!

*Please note that this post does contain affiliate links and I make a small commission off of books purchased through these links. *

Happy Teaching!