Learning lessons about democracy

LILBOURN, Mo. -- Although they were kindergarteners, the youngsters at Lilbourn Elementary School were just as serious as their adult counterparts about casting their ballots for president Tuesday.

Marching through the blue paper streamers into the polling booth, each made the decision whether to vote for Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump, then tucked their ballots into the bright red box.

The students in Amy McElveen's kindergarten class were well aware that the adults in their lives were doing the same thing, although kindergartener Ayden thought maybe it was just boys who got to vote for the next president of the United States.

Bryan was sure he knew. He explained the next leader of the free world was being picked by "my PaPa, my Nonna, you know...big, old people!"

When you are 5, it isn't always the issues that influence your choice for its leader.

Bella and Weston cast their ballots for Clinton. Bella picked Clinton, she explained, "because she's pretty" while Weston said Clinton was "special."

"Trump," announced Bryant when asked about his presidential choice, "because he's the best."

Abel was following the family lead in picking his candidate. "Donald Trump because that's who my mom and dad want," he explained about his vote.

In the kindergarten vote, Trump edged out Clinton by a vote of 13 to 12. However, schoolwide, Clinton took 64 percent of the vote of the kindergarten through fifth grade students. Clinton polled 169 votes to Trump's 95.

At the end of the day, the political lesson apparently resonated with the children.

S'nyah explained it is important to vote.

"You have to vote to see who's gonna be the president," added Elijah.

For Tyreak it was simple: Adults should vote "if they care about America."