A learning and activity resource for kids and teens
Throughout U.S. history, so many groups have had to fight for their right to vote and be represented in government. Unfortunately, these fights are far from over – especially with the 2026 Supreme Court decision that gutted the Voting Rights Act.
This comprehensive guide includes 29 learning, activity, and action resources for ages 7 – 18, covering the history of voting rights and issues of voter suppression today.
Do you want to show young people how precious the right to vote is, but you’re unsure how to start?
You know how important voting is to democracy, but figuring out how to break down history, court cases, and government regulations to young people isn’t easy.
Past and Present Fights for Voting Rights uses age-appropriate books, videos, “explainer” pages, and a wide variety of activities to help elementary, middle school, and high school learners understand the history of voting rights and what attacks on voting rights look like today.
Are you tired of outdated resources that imply the fight for voting rights ended in the 1960s?
It’s crucial that kids and teens learn about the many movements for voting rights that have taken place throughout U.S. history. The struggle to uphold every citizen’s right to vote is far from over though.
So much has happened in the past fifteen years to slowly and steadily chip away at voting rights. This has especially affected Black communities and other communities of color, rural areas, elderly voters, and low-income people. It’s not easy to keep track of all that’s happened, but I’ve made the process straightforward for you.
This learning and activity pack takes learners all the way up to crucial 2026 Supreme Court decision that effectively killed the Voting Rights Act and provides information on the proposed SAVE Act that would further restrict the right to vote.
Are you worried about the state of voting and democracy, but unsure what you can do?
The activities in this pack are designed to not only help kids and teens understand the issues at stake. There are also plenty of action ideas that they can try with the support of their families, community organizations, and educators.
While the present state of voting rights is very serious, there are still many ways each of us, at any age, can do our part to uphold democracy.
Past and Present Fights for Voting Rights is for…
Families who believe democracy only works if we all play our part.
You’ll find art projects, engaging book titles for various ages, a template for researching voting rights in your state, discussion questions, and “remember to vote” resources that your family can customize and share with others.
Educators looking for civics or voting history resources, especially as the 2026 mid-term election approaches.
Learners can use the resources to build a timeline of how various groups have seen both expansions and restrictions in their voting rights throughout history. The explainer on the impact of the Voting Rights Act, activities for understanding what gerrymandering is, the straightforward explanation of recent Supreme Court voting rights decisions, and the comprehensive glossary of voting-related terms are all useful classroom resources.
Adults who are concerned about the state of voting rights but also a bit confused about all that’s happened.
In the whirlwind political era we’re living through, it’s easy to lose track of how various rights are under attack.
I learned so much while creating this activity pack that I even recommend it for adults who aren’t parents or educators! You could use it for your own learning or invite a few friends to study the resources with you and then take action together.
What’s inside Past and Present Fights for Voting Rights:
The activity pack has five parts that thoughtfully explore voting rights issues throughout U.S. history and today.
(No, you don’t have to use all five parts! Choose the parts that are best for your family or learners.)
- Part I: Voting rights history overview
- Part II: The 1965 Voting Rights Act
- Part III: Why do district maps matter?
- Part IV: Attacks on voting rights today
- Part V: Protecting voting rights today
Each of the five parts begins with suggested books and discussion starters for each age group (elementary, middle school, and high school), along with video resources for upper elementary and above. These readings and videos are optional but recommended for helping young people have a deeper understanding and greater emotional connection to the issues.
The sections also include:
- Short one to two page “explainers” that use kid-friendly language to explore the main topic
- Art, drawing, or coloring activities
- Hands-on activities or mini research tasks for breaking down complex topics
- Action ideas and templates to use in your local community
You can download a table of contents and sample pages from the activity pack here.
Ten percent of your purchase will be donated to The Equity Alliance
The Equity Alliance’s Tennessee Black Voter Project is focused on registering and mobilizing Black voters. This is crucial in the midst of the 2026 Supreme Court decision that gutted the Voting Rights Act. Immediately after the Court’s ruling, the Tennessee General Assembly called a special assembly that eliminated the state’s majority Black district in my home city of Memphis. The Equity Alliance is one of the key groups working to mobilize Black voters as our state leaders try to strip Black communities of their representation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages is this activity pack for?
Overall, I recommend Past and Present Fights for Voting Rights for elementary (starting around age 7) through high school-age kids and youth.
Some of the activities are best suited to younger learners, while others are best for middle and high school. If you download the sample pages from the activity pack, you’ll find a table of contents that includes codes for which age groups I recommend every activity. This will give you a better idea of whether the activity pack is a good fit for your family or your learners.
What format is Past and Present Fights for Voting Rights? Can I order a printed copy?
This is a digital PDF, not a physical resource. Because it’s in PDF format, you can print it out yourself if you prefer a physical copy. It is a total of 52 pages, designed to be printed double sided.
Do I need to purchase any books in order to use the activity pack?
There are optional but recommended books for each of the 5 parts of the activity pack. You can find a list of the books for each age level in the sample pages from the activity pack. Almost all of these books can easily be found at your local library or have used copies available on sites like Thrift Books.
Is there a discount available for schools or organizations if we purchase multiple copies?
Yes, schools or groups that are purchasing at least 4 licenses can use a 40% off discount code. Please email me at info[at]rebekahgienapp[dot]com with the number of licenses you intend to purchase and I’ll send you the code. Each license can be used in 1 home or classroom.
I have a question you haven’t answered.
Email me at info[at]rebekahgienapp[dot]com and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.