Are you looking for ways to involve your students in the election process? These election writing prompts are a great way to build critical thinking and research skills. The election writing prompts at the top work best for upper elementary students. Farther down the page, under Election Writing Prompt Questions, are simpler questions suitable for younger students that can be used to write shorter assignments.
Additionally, there are election research project ideas, essay prompts, and compare and contrast writing projects at the end of the post that are designed for older students. As always, remind your students to be aware of possible bias in whatever sources they use for research.
Jump to:
- Election Process Writing Prompts
- Election Writing Prompt Questions
- Election Process Research Project Ideas
- Presidential Election Essays
- Election Compare and Contrast Writing Projects
If you are looking for Election Day activities, we have a huge list for you! Learn how to explain voting for kids using our easy-to-use election and presidents open-and-go resources.
Election Process Writing Projects
An election year is a great time to go over the voting process with your kids. Young students hear all the buzz around election time and have questions; older students are learning to form their own opinions. Help students learn how voting works this election season by incorporating election-themed writing prompts into their daily lessons. Creative writing is a great way to make new topics and ideas less intimidating.
Whether you or your students choose a writing prompt about a political issue, the voting process, the political system, or the voting system, they can learn a lot along the way!
Election Writing Prompts
These election writing prompts are a great way to help students learn about the presidential election process.
Learn About Local Elections
Describe the process of voting in your local community, including where to vote, when to vote, and what identification is required.
Explain the Importance of Voting
Explain the importance of voting in a democracy and how it allows citizens to have a say in their government.
Research Political Parties
Research and discuss the role of political parties in the election process, including their influence on candidates and policy-making.
Write a Political Speech
Imagine you are running for a political office. Write a speech outlining your campaign promises and why people should vote for you.
Compare and Contrast Voting Methods
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using electronic voting machines compared to traditional paper ballots.
Explain Primary Elections
Research the purpose of primary elections and how they help determine which candidate will represent each political party in the general election. Explain your findings.
Learn About Campaign Financing
Describe the role of campaign finance in elections, including its impact on candidates’ ability to run successful campaigns.
Investigate Gerrymandering
Investigate the concept of gerrymandering and its effects on electoral districts. Discuss whether you think it is fair or not.
History of Suffrage Movements
Write an essay discussing the history of suffrage movements and how they have expanded voting rights over time.
Comparing Methods of Elections
Research different methods of conducting elections, such as first-past-the-post, proportional representation, or ranked-choice voting. Compare and contrast their advantages and disadvantages.
Conduct an Interview
Interview a local politician or candidate running for office and write a report summarizing their views on key issues facing your community.
Learn Why Some Don’t Vote
Explain why some individuals choose not to vote in elections despite having the right to do so, and suggest ways to increase voter turnout.
Role of Media in Campaigns
Discuss the role of media in shaping public opinion during election campaigns, including both traditional media outlets (such as newspapers) and social media platforms.
Research Past Presidential Elections
Research past presidential elections and analyze how certain events or factors influenced their outcomes.
Responsibility of the Electoral College
Imagine you are part of an electoral college delegation casting your vote for a presidential candidate. Reflect on the responsibility and impact of this decision and share your thoughts.
Pros and Cons of a Two-Party System
Analyze the pros and cons of having a two-party system versus a multi-party system in elections.
Role of Political Endorsements
Investigate the role of political endorsements in campaigns, including how they can influence voters’ opinions and choices.
Landmark Court Cases & Voting Rights
Discuss the historical significance of landmark court cases related to voting rights, such as Shelby County v. Holder or Bush v. Gore.
Explain Absentee Voting
Research and explain the process of absentee voting, including who is eligible and how ballots are cast and counted.
Opinion on Electoral College
Write an opinion piece discussing whether or not you believe the Electoral College is a good way to elect a president.
Role of Political Ads
Investigate the role of political ads in election campaigns, including their strategies and impact on voters’ perceptions.
Direct Democracy vs. Representative Democracy
Compare and contrast direct democracy with representative democracy, discussing how each system influences voter participation and decision-making.
Political Participation
Research different forms of political participation beyond voting, such as volunteering for campaigns or attending town hall meetings. Discuss their importance in shaping democracy.
Voter Registration Process
Explain how voter registration works and why it is important for citizens to register before participating in elections.
Swing States in Elections
Discuss the concept of swing states in presidential elections, explaining why they are often considered key battlegrounds for candidates.
Election Campaign Rallies
Imagine you are a journalist covering an election campaign rally by a political candidate you support. Write an article reporting on the event’s highlights.
Current Issues and Policies
Research current issues or policies that are being debated. Explain their potential impact on citizens’ lives if implemented or rejected.
Responsibilities of Elected Officials
Discuss the responsibilities of elected officials after they are elected, including representing their constituents’ interests and making legislative decisions.
History of Women’s Suffrage
Investigate the history of women’s suffrage around the world, highlighting key milestones achieved in different countries over time.
Voting Age Opinion Piece
Write a persuasive essay arguing for or against lowering the voting age to 16, providing reasons and evidence to support your stance.
Political Action Committees
Research and discuss the role of political action committees (PACs) in financing election campaigns and their influence on candidates’ policies.
Learning About Redistricting
Explain the process of redistricting and how it can impact electoral outcomes, including examples from history.
Term Limits
Discuss the concept of term limits for elected officials, exploring arguments for and against imposing such limits.
Election Debates
Investigate the role of debates in election campaigns, discussing their purpose and impact on voters’ perceptions of candidates.
Voter Turnout
Analyze voter turnout rates in recent elections, identifying factors that may contribute to higher or lower levels of participation.
Voter Fraud
Research and explain different methods used to prevent voter fraud in elections, such as voter ID laws or signature verification.
Write a Politician
Write a letter to a local politician expressing your concerns about an issue affecting your community and suggesting possible solutions.
Civility and Respectful Discourse
Discuss the importance of civility and respectful discourse during election campaigns, including how negative campaigning can impact public trust in politicians.
Proportional Representation in Elections
Investigate the concept of proportional representation in elections.
Transitions of Power
Reflect on the significance of peaceful transitions of power after elections, discussing why they are essential for maintaining democratic stability.
Election Writing Prompt Questions
You can use the following election writing prompts with younger students as a way to help them get started. Simply instruct them to answer each question by writing a paragraph using complete sentences and proper grammar and punctuation.
- What is the Electoral College?
- How does voting work?
- Who can run for president?
- Why are elections important?
- When is Election Day?
- What are political candidates?
- How do I register to vote?
- What is a swing state?
- Who are the major political parties?
- How does campaigning work?
- Can I vote by mail?
- What is the primary election?
- Why should I vote?
- What are voter ID laws?
- Who chooses the vice president?
- Can a candidate win the election without winning the popular vote?
- How are electoral votes awarded to candidates?
- What is a write-in candidate?
- Are there term limits for presidents?
- How can I become politically involved?
Election Process Research Project Ideas
Have your student choose one or more of the following ideas and use it as a title or springboard for a research project.
- The Impact of Social Media on Political Campaigns: Analyzing the Role of Platforms like Facebook and Twitter in Influencing Voter Behavior
- The Effects of Negative Campaigning: Investigating the Impact of Attack Ads on Voter Perception and Decision-Making
- Youth Participation in Elections: Examining Strategies to Increase Voter Turnout among Young Adults
- The Importance of Exit Polls: Understanding Their Role in Predicting Election Results
- Analyzing Swing States: Understanding Their Significance in Presidential Elections
- Campaign Finance Reform: Assessing the Influence of Money on Political Campaigns
- Exploring Gerrymandering: Analyzing Its Impact on Electoral District Boundaries and Representation
- Voting Rights Act: Evaluating Its Historical Significance and Contemporary Relevance
- Election Security Measures: Assessing the Vulnerabilities and Safeguards in Modern Voting Systems
- Comparative Analysis of Different Electoral Systems: Examining Proportional Representation vs. First-Past-the-Post Systems
- Political Debates and Public Opinion: Investigating the Influence of Debates on Voter Perception and Decision-Making
- The Role of Political Parties in Elections: Analyzing their Strategies, Platforms, and Voter Mobilization Efforts
- Voter Education Initiatives: Assessing Their Effectiveness in Informing Voters about Candidates and Issues
- The Electoral College System: Evaluating Its Pros and Cons for Presidential Elections
- Campaign Messaging Strategies: Analyzing the Use of Emotional Appeals, Policy-Based Arguments, and Personal Narratives by Candidates
- Media Coverage Bias in Elections: Examining the Influence of News Outlets on Voter Perception and Candidate Popularity
- Voter Turnout Patterns: Investigating the Factors that Affect Voter Participation in Different Elections
- Campaign Advertisements and Persuasion Techniques: Analyzing the Use of Fear, Humor, and Celebrity Endorsements in Political Ads
Presidential Election Essays
Have your student choose one or more of the following ideas and use it as a theme for an essay.
- Why Every Vote Matters: The Power of Your Voice in the Election Process
- Demystifying the Electoral College: How It Works and Why It’s Important
- Choosing Wisely: Evaluating Political Candidates for a Better Future
- The Role of Political Parties in Shaping the Election Process
- Ensuring Fairness: Understanding Voter Suppression and How to Overcome It
- Making Informed Decisions: How to Research Political Candidates Effectively
- Youth Empowerment Through Voting: Amplifying Your Impact on the Future
- The Importance of Civic Education in Preparing Future Voters
- The Evolution of Voting Rights: From Suffrage to Modern-Day Challenges
- The Electoral College System and Its Role in Democracy
- Campaign Finance Reform: Leveling the Playing Field for Political Candidates
- Voting as a Responsibility: Encouraging Active Participation in the Democratic Process
- The Influence of Social Media on Elections: Navigating Information Overload
- From Candidate to Office: Understanding the Steps Involved in Running for Public Office
Election Compare and Contrast Writing Projects
Have your student choose one or more of the following compare and contrast assignments to research and complete.
- Compare and contrast the election process in the United States with that of another country.
- Analyze the differences between direct voting and indirect voting systems.
- Compare the roles and responsibilities of political candidates in a presidential election versus a local election.
- Contrast the electoral college system with a popular vote system for electing a president.
- Compare the campaign strategies used by different political candidates during an election.
- Analyze the impact of social media on political campaigns and compare its influence on different types of elections.
- Contrast the advantages and disadvantages of electronic voting systems versus traditional paper ballot systems.
- Compare and contrast primary elections and general elections in terms of their purpose, timing, and voter participation.
- Analyze the role of money in politics and compare campaign financing regulations in different countries.
- Compare the criteria for eligibility to run for office in different countries or regions.
- Contrast the ways in which political parties are structured and operate in parliamentary systems versus presidential systems.
- Compare voter turnout rates in different countries or regions and analyze the factors that influence voter participation.
- Analyze how political candidates communicate their policy positions to voters through speeches, debates, or advertisements, comparing tactics used by different candidates.
- Contrast the rights and responsibilities of voters in democracies versus other forms of government.
- Compare the pros and cons of having a multi-party system versus a two-party system in an election process.
- Contrast term limits for elected officials in different countries or regions, analyzing their impact on democracy and governance.
- Compare how campaign finance laws differ between federal elections and state/local elections.
- Analyze how voter registration requirements vary between countries or states and the advantages and disadvantages of their differences.
- Contrast the ways in which political candidates are chosen in different countries, such as through party nominations, primaries, or caucuses.