As adult voters across Vermont head to the polls, seven fifth graders are stepping into their own electoral spotlight as finalists for the state’s 2027 Kid Governor contest.
Participation in the civics program has doubled since its inaugural run, with more than 2,000 fifth graders statewide casting ballots between November 2 and November 10. Students are choosing from a final ballot of seven candidates whose platforms address housing, mental health, getting kids outside, bullying, anxiety awareness, drug abuse and addiction, and climate change.
The program enters its second year following a successful inaugural run won by Roslyn Fortin of Highgate Elementary, who centered her term on homelessness and organized food drives and fundraising events. Brian Cofrancesco, Director of Kid Governor®, noted that the initiative aims to build lifelong civic habits among young people.
“The Kid Governor program gives young people an opportunity to get involved in civics at an early age—and it’s our goal to empower them to remain engaged in our democracy and within their communities for the rest of their lives.”
said Brian Cofrancesco, Director of Kid Governor®. Each of the finalists developed a three-point plan and a campaign video outlining how fifth graders can tackle these complex issues in their local communities.
Secretary Copeland Hanzas visited each candidate over the past week and emphasized the collaborative nature of the office.
“When you watch the videos, you immediately notice that the concerns of our fifth graders are top issues the Legislature grapples with.”
Secretary Copeland Hanzas stated.
How the 2027 Kid Governor Election Unfolds
Under the structure of the program, the winning candidate will assume the role of Kid Governor, while the other six finalists will serve as cabinet members. Together, they will work to implement the winning platform over a one-year term.
Schools and towns of the participating students are kept confidential until after the voting process concludes to support the election. The Secretary of State’s Office will tabulate the votes and announce the winner and cabinet members the week of November 16.
The elected 2027 Kid Governor and cabinet will take the oath of office during an inauguration ceremony at the State House in January. Founded by the Connecticut Democracy Center in 2015, the free educational program has expanded to states including Nebraska, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Oklahoma.
