If You're Thinking of Skipping May 5 Election, Girl, 9, Will Tell You Why You Shouldn't

Perhaps the biggest champion of the right to vote is still almost a decade away from being of legal age to cast her first ballot.

Rani Dhiman, 9, a fourth-grader at Farmington Public Schools’ Highmeadow Common Campus, has launched the children’s group Farmington Kids GoTV, to increase voter turnout.

The idea is for kids to exert some pressure on their parents, who actually can vote.

“I thought, maybe I can do something,” said Rani, who got the idea for the youth-led voter turnout campaign after talking with her mother, Triman Jagdev, about the upcoming $131.5 million bond issue voters will decide May 5.

The ambitious youngster is recruiting her classmates to help with the effort, too. About 10 have signed up after her presentation to 250 students in an assembly Friday.

“I’ve learned you have to reach out,” said Rani, who is a member of the Junior Optimists and other youth groups. “You can’t expect them to just come to you.”

The principal at Highmeadow Common Campus, Dyanne Sanders, said Rani’s voter recruitment effort meshes well with the school’s goal to create global citizens.

“Every Friday we have a celebration of knowledge, and I’m very proud of her.” Sanders said. “Every child is a leader. ... Students sitting in the audience might see something and have an idea. We want them to change the world.”

Tell Us:

• Do you support this bond proposal? Tell us why or why not in the comments.

District patrons have several opportunities to learn more about the bond proposal. A community meeting is scheduled at 6 p.m. Monday, April 13, on the second floor of the John Cowley & Sons restaurant, 33338 Grand River.

Two model classroom tours are planned:

• Saturday, April 18, at Power Upper Elementary School, 34740 Rhonswood St., Farmington Hills, with tours from 10-11 am. and 11 a.m.-noon.
• Thursday, April 23, at North Farmington High School, 32900 W. 13 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, with tours from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and 7:30-8:30 p.m.

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Photo via Flickr/Creative Commons