Welcome to Nebraska’s Kid Governor®! Your student or students are participating in an award-winning civic education program for 5th-graders that will teach them about:
- The three branches of state government
- The role of the governor
- Why elections are important
- The history of voting in the United States and Connecticut
- Leadership
- Civic participation
- and more!
Fifth-grade classes can participate in [State]’s Kid Governor® in one of two ways: a Nominating & Voting Class or a Voting-Only Class. All participating students can vote in an authentic, real-life election for the Kid Governor in November. Students in Nominating & Voting Classes will also learn about the campaign process and have the opportunity to run in a primary to be their school’s nominee for the Statewide Election. They may even be elected to serve as the next Kid Governor! Your student’s teacher can tell you how their class is participating this year.
Learn About the Kid Governor® Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My student attends homeschool. Can they participate in the Kid Governor® program?
A: Yes! Please register as a “Nominating & Voting” or “Voting-Only” class. Kid Governor® is open to 5th-grade students; only 5th-graders can vote or run for office.
Q: My student is a candidate for Kid Governor. Can we campaign for them on social media?
A: No. Schools and candidates’ families are welcome to post about the Nebraska’s Kid Governor® Statewide Election and their candidate on social media. However, campaigning or encouraging voting for any specific candidate – including your own – is not allowed. The Statewide Election is an exciting process, and you may want to encourage people on social media to vote. However, because this program is an opportunity for 5th graders to learn about voting and the democratic process, and because only students in participating classes can vote, it is important not to campaign on social media. Of course, it is a great idea to post about your student’s platform and the importance of supporting it, no matter who wins the election!
Q: My student is running to be Nebraska’s Kid Governor. Can they campaign in their school or at other participating schools?
A: No. Students are only allowed to campaign within their classroom or school. Student candidates are not allowed to campaign beyond their classroom or school, including visits or communications with other schools, the creation of websites, the use of social media, etc. This is to avoid disrupting other classrooms, to guarantee that no candidate has an advantage over another, and to ensure that the platforms the candidates lay out in their videos are what students analyze in considering how they will vote.
Q: What happens if my student wins the election?
A: Kid Governor® is a real election with real consequences. The student who wins the election will serve a one-year term as Nebraska’s Kid Governor. For more information about the responsibilities and expectations of the Kid Governor, please review the Rules & Entry Forms.
Q: My student was not elected Kid Governor but wants to work on their community issue and platform. Do you have resources to help my students?
A: Yes! The Student Action Resources Center has tips for taking action, working with fellow students, contacting elected officials, and more.
Q: My student is not in 5th grade. Is there any way they can be involved in the Kid Governor program?
A: Yes! While only 5th graders can run for office or vote in the election, there are many ways that students can get involved and make a difference. Students of any age can use the resources on this website to identify an important issue in their community and find ways to make a difference. They can also advocate for bringing this important program to their school by contacting their school principal or the superintendent’s office. We would be happy to meet with them and answer questions.
Q: What opportunities are available for students who were nominated by their school but not elected as Kid Governor?
A: All school nominees are encouraged to implement the platforms they developed for their campaign videos! The Student Action Resources Center has tips for taking action, working with fellow students, contacting elected officials, and more. The six final Candidates from the Statewide Election will serve as the Kid Governor’s Cabinet. They will meet as a group throughout the year to support the Kid Governor’s platform and collaborate as they advance their three-point platforms.
Q: Do other states have Kid Governors?
A: Yes! The Connecticut Democracy Center created the Kid Governor® program in 2015 and now has affiliate programs in other states. Visit kidgovernor.org for a list of states with Kid Governor® affiliates and to learn about the national program.
If you have additional questions, email info@NE.KidGovernor.org.