Pocono News Section

Kindergarteners Caught in Polling Place Controversy

Kindergarteners Caught in Polling Place Controversy - Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at 5:50PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Tuesday, Nov 3, 2009 @ 05:50pm EST
CLARKS GREEN, LACKAWANNA COUNTY -- There are also several important races that we're watching in Lackawanna County. There's an open seat for judge and the race for Scranton city council is wide open.

Turnout has been described as light so far. But it’s not just the races here grabbing headlines.

In the Abingtons there was controversy about whether or not elementary students should be allowed to go into a polling place today. 5 and 6-year-olds were caught in the middle...

Students from St. Gregory's Early Childhood School go into the polls at the Clarks Green Borough Building.

They're learning the importance of voting, a lesson that almost didn't happen because election officials said it was illegal.

Teacher Chris Arcangelo said, “We are not breaking the law and they know that. We have permission from every parent."

Arcangelo has brought students to the polls for years. Officials told her to stop because state law says only voters, children of voters or poll workers can be inside.

“I never ever, ever, ever imagined something like this was going to happen. I am completely stunned by it," said Arcangelo.

To circumvent the law, friends and relatives escorted each child inside. Mother Heather Hillson said, “To actually come and see it, I think it hits home more with the kids, especially the young ones, when they can see what you do."

And it seems the lesson paid off. The kids even dressed up in patriotic outfits.

State Representative Kevin Murphy heard about the controversy and came out to see it for himself. He now wants to amend the election code to make sure kids can visit the polls as an educational tool.

“These children, these 5-year-old children, are going to be a part of affecting change in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, so I think it’s a very exciting time," he said.

Students and parents say the lesson in democracy pays off in so many ways. They get memories and actually want to vote.