Kids Voting Denver will hold a kick-off event at Castro Elementary School beginning at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, Sept. 17.

The event will include students reading their thoughts on freedom, rights and responsibilities, and democracy. The third, fourth and fifth grade students will also sing “America The Beautiful.”

Kids Voting is a national grassroots, nonpartisan effort that seeks to build awareness of the electoral process and the importance of voting. The curriculum covers many disciplines and allows teachers to meet content standards in civics, language arts and math, among others.

After studying the topic throughout September and October, students will cast mock ballots on Election Day. The ballots will be similar to the ballots presented to voters in Denver on Nov. 5.

National research on the Kids Voting program has discovered a “trickle-up” effect on dialogue and discussion of candidates and issues in the student’s homes.

Castro Elementary School is located at 845. S. Lowell Blvd. The school’s telephone number is 303-935-2458.

Kids Voting Denver is supported by Denver Election Commission, Denver Mayor’s Office, The League of Women Voters, the Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce, The University Club, and Denver Public Schools. Interested students and teachers should inquire with their school about participating in the program.

Please call Castro Elementary School Assistant Principal Diana Talamas, coordinator of the kick-off event, Kids Voting Denver coordinator Nancy Gilder (720-913-0307) or the DPS Public Information Office 720-423-3414) for more information.