Vote 4 Me is both a fun and educational book by electoral educator and schoolteacher Krys Saclier, and illustrator Cathy Wilcox. Krys teaches kids how to vote, which is very important in our democratic society (and a very cool job too!), and Cathy has been illustrating cartoons in the Sydney Morning Herald for almost 30 years! The two ladies got together with Maryann Ballantyne from Wild Dogs, who knew Aussie kids needed a book about how to vote because not only does one not exist, but (let’s face it) Mum and Dad can learn something too.
Read on!
Krys Saclier
This book is absolutely unique. Why do you think every school and library needs a copy of Vote 4 Me?
KS: Australia uses preferential voting to elect our federal Members of Parliament to the House of Representatives. That sentence is quite a mouthful, so having the concept explained through a classroom election makes it engaging for kids (and adults).
Our voting system isn’t immediately intuitive but it’s actually pretty interesting once it’s explained. Vote 4 Me is an easy way for teachers to introduce democracy in the classroom and kick off a Civics and Citizenship program.
Why is it important for children to know how to vote?
KS: I have two answers for this one, and they’re a reflection of the two sorts of answers I get from children when I ask them, ‘Why should people vote?’
The first answer is ‘because you have to.’ Voting is compulsory. Children will grow up and have to vote one day. However my favourite answer is when students know that voting is about having a say about who represents them. They’ve made the connection between voting and shaping their future. It is a human right after all.
It’s possible that adults don’t fully understand the Australian voting system, do you think perhaps kids should buy this book for mums and dads?
KS: Ha ha! I didn’t fully understand the Australian voting system before I became an educator! So yes. In fact, reading this book to your kids is a sneaky way of finding out the facts that you don’t want to admit you don’t know. I am totally on board with this.
What do you love most about teaching kids about Australia’s electoral system?
KS: I love it when I meet a student that is completely disinterested, and by they end of a session they are excited and ready to be the next Prime Minister. This topic doesn’t have to be dry or boring. Now, more than ever, we need a population that is informed and interested and knows what they’re doing when they go to a polling place on election day.
You live in the nation’s capital. Do you have coffee with politicians?
KS: I’d love to have a coffee with anyone right now! The irony of Canberra is most politicians aren’t from here. They’re from everywhere else in Australia.
If you could give any of your readers some advice about voting (once they reach 18) what would it be?
KS: Research who you are voting for before election day. Think critically about everything you see and hear, especially on social media. Follow the instructions on the ballot paper. Don’t forget your democra-sausage.
Cathy Wilcox (Photo by Caitlyn Hicks).
Cathy, why did you want to be part of this book?
CW: It was put to me that I would be “perfect” for this book since my work spans political cartooning and illustrating kids’ books. I had to agree!
We love your illustrations! They certainly bring out the fun in voting. Did you learn a thing or two while illustrating this book?
CW: I think I could now competently explain preferential voting to someone. And it got me thinking about WHY it’s a good voting system for a democracy, as more people are effectively satisfied with the outcome, at least partially, and voters have more power by ordering their candidates according to their preference.
You have illustrated for one of the country’s biggest newspapers for over 30 years. What is the best part of your job?
CW: I love that I get to THINK for a living, and also to draw. I love that the subject matter is ever-changing. And I love that I get to work an argument through, and observe and make a comment if I want to, or prompt a question, and I can feel to be part of a meaningful public discussion about our world.
Thanks Krys and Cathy!
—Vote 4 Me by Krys Saclier and Cathy Wilcox (Wild Dog Books) is out now.
Vote 4 Me
The students of Mount Mayhem School are fed up. Their uniform is hideous, the tuckshop is full of health food, while the sports cupboard is empty. It’s time for an election to find a student who will speak on everyone’s behalf and make some changes.
But who will it be?
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