Explain democracy. Teach students we have the right to vote and voting is a privilege many people who lived before us died in order to obtain and preserve. Explain that voting is the best way for ordinary people to have a say in what happens in their neighborhood, city, state and nation.
Explain the differences comparing democracy, monarchies and theocracies. Talk about how only in a democracy do the people get to vote on who will be in power and who will make important decisions about the future of that government.
Introduce people to the different political parties. Discuss the history of these parties and the platforms each stands upon. Discuss differences between political parties. Discuss the terms Republican, Democrat and Independent.
Define primaries and caucuses and how election votes are counted. Explain to people that more knowledge gained about issues and platforms of people running for office, the better decisions can be made about issues on the table. Discuss the importance voting in primary elections since this determines who runs in the general election.
Hold mock debates and a mock election to emphasize how voting can change the rules, rulers and laws of the land. Have a post-election debate to discuss the outcome of the vote and the consequences voting or not voting.