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Open-ended topics for practicing �civil discourse

Election Discussion Topics

Betty Nordengren

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Teachers,

Students need to learn to engage in respectful and constructive dialogue. Civil discourse allows students to practice this skill. During civil discussions, students must analyze information, evaluate different perspectives, and form reasoned opinions while respectfully listening to diverse viewpoints and finding common ground. These skills are invaluable for students’ future participation in the democratic process and may help to ease societal polarization and foster a more united community.

The following slides provide 20 open-ended, election-based questions for sparking discussions in your middle school classroom. Check your state standards, local guidance, and school curriculum to decide which ones are appropriate for you. They are intended to be used individually. Feel free to choose the ones that work for you in any order you see fit.

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• Why is voting important in a democracy?

• At what age should people be allowed to vote? Why?

• How can we encourage more young people to vote when they turn 18?

• Should Election Day be a national holiday? Why or why not?

• What qualities make a good political leader?

• How do debates help voters make decisions?

• Why is it important to research candidates before voting?

• Should voting be mandatory for all eligible citizens? Why or why not?

• How can we make sure elections are fair for everyone?

• What role does social media play in modern elections?

List of Open-Ended Topics about �Elections (1–10)

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• How can we improve voter turnout in local elections?

• Should online voting be allowed? What are the pros and cons?

• Are local or national elections more important?

• How can we make sure all voices are heard in an election?

• What is the Electoral College, and why does it exist?

• Should the popular vote determine the winner of a presidential election? Why or why not?

• How can we make sure voting is accessible for people with disabilities?

• How can we vote with our logical minds instead of our egos or emotions?

• How can we protect elections from foreign interference?

• Why is it important to accept the results of an election, even if your preferred candidate loses?

List of Open-Ended Topics about �Elections (11–20)

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Students,

Today, we will practice civil discourse to talk about elections.

Respectful discussion about elections helps voters to learn about important issues. The goal of civil discourse is not to change other people’s minds but to try to understand why they think that way. This builds shared respect, which lets us work together to solve problems. By listening, we can understand each other better, even if we disagree. It’s OK to think differently, but we should always be respectful.

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Civil Discourse

Noun

Respectful conversation with someone even when you disagree; sharing your ideas calmly, listening to others, and trying to understand their point of view

What does quality civil discourse look like?

• Students respectfully restate other’s views to build and find common ground.

• Students listen to understand, not to argue their next speaking point.

• Students question, engage, and include their peers.

• The tone is always respectful and never derogatory.

• Students receive feedback from teachers and their peers on performance to foster growth �in discourse skills.

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Why is voting important in a democracy?

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At what age should people be allowed �to vote? Why?

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How can we encourage more young people �to vote when they turn 18?

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Should Election Day be a national holiday? �Why or why not?

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What qualities make a good political leader?

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How do debates help voters make decisions?

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Why is it important to research candidates �before voting?

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Should voting be mandatory for all eligible �citizens? Why or why not?

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How can we make sure elections are �fair for everyone?

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What role does social media play in �modern elections?

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How can we improve voter turnout in �local elections?

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How can we improve voter turnout in �local elections?

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Are local or national elections more important?

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How can we make sure all voices are �heard in an election?

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What is the Electoral College, and �why does it exist?

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Should the popular vote determine the winner �of a presidential election? Why or why not?

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How can we make sure voting is accessible �for people with disabilities?

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How can we vote with our logical minds �instead of our egos or emotions?

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How can we protect elections from �foreign interference?

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Why is it important to accept the results of an �election, even if your preferred candidate loses?