Connecticut’s unique Kid Governor program is in full swing as seven fifth‑grade students campaign for the symbolic 2027 Kid Governor office. The nonprofit civic‑education effort, founded by the Connecticut Democracy Center eleven years ago, gives young learners a hands‑on experience in campaigning, public speaking and community outreach.
Kids on the campaign trail
Current Kid Governor Tessa Hallinan and her cabinet hit the road Wednesday on the program’s annual election rally bus tour. Hallinan, who will hand over the role after the election, said, “A ton of these kids aren’t going to vote until, like, five to ten years in the future. I think this is a great way to prepare them and to get them excited about it, because it’s really important to make sure everyone votes so that they all have a voice in what they want to say.”
The rally bus will continue Thursday, November 5, with Connecticut Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas joining the tour to underscore the importance of civic participation.
How the election works
Each candidate has created a three‑point platform and recorded a short campaign video explaining the issue they want to address. Fifth‑grade classes across the state review the videos and then cast ballots during the statewide election, which runs from Nov. 2 through Nov. 10. The winner serves a one‑year term, while the remaining six finalists become members of the Kid Governor’s cabinet.
The program is free to all Connecticut schools and includes classroom lessons on state government, elections and civic engagement. State coordinator Linda Preston emphasized that the experience extends beyond the ballot count: “They will make speeches about their platform just to kind of spread the word about the issue. They’ll meet with other civics groups, have been invited to speak different places to inform the adults, because a lot of times kids need adult support in their community to get the job done,” she said.
Student ambitions and future goals
When asked about her own aspirations, Hallinan replied, “I want to be a lawyer or the president.” Cabinet member Myra Ruparel said she hopes to become “like secretary of state,” while Samuel James aims for “the governor of Florida.” Not every participant is eyeing political office; Alyvia Stoddard expressed a desire to become a hairstylist, dentist or doctor.
Preston believes the program builds lasting confidence: “I think that’s an amazing thing for them to carry from a young age and know that they feel empowered to make choices and take steps toward a goal like that.”
Why the Kid Governor program matters
By giving children a real‑world glimpse of the electoral process, the Kid Governor initiative reinforces the constitutional principle that every citizen, regardless of age, has a voice in shaping their community. It also aligns with the values of family and faith by encouraging parents and teachers to support youth leadership and responsibility.
As the election draws to a close, the participating schools and families will watch the results together, celebrating the democratic spirit that the program seeks to instill in the next generation of Connecticut voters.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut (Hartford) — read the source article.
