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2024 Election Toolkit

Classroom resources for discussing the candidates and major election issues in a thoughtful, balanced way.

 

The Close Up Election Toolkit is a hub of interactive resources designed to help you and your students engage with the 2024 election in a meaningful, memorable way. Below, find candidate profiles, issue discussions, videos, lesson plans, and more—all ready to use in the classroom. The resources can easily stand on their own or serve as a primer for one of Close Up’s Premier Election Series student programs! 

Looking for a bit more guidance or other election-related activities? Check out our professional development training on Navigating Challenging Election Issues at School and our national deliberations for middle school, high school, and university students taking place this fall!

 

 

Presidential Candidate Profiles

 

Who are the major candidates running for president? What experience do they have? What are their reasons for seeking office?

 

Kamala Harris

Learn more about our current Democratic vice president. Learn More >

Donald Trump

Learn more about our former Republican president. Learn More >

ROBERT F. KENNEDY JR.

The independent ended his bid and endorsed Trump on August 23 but may still appear on the ballot in some states. Learn More >

Presidential Candidates on the Issues

 

What do the major presidential candidates think about the issues driving our national debate? With whom do you most agree?

 

Education

Where do the candidates stand on education issues? Learn More >

Gun Policy

Where do the candidates stand on gun rights and gun control? Learn More >

Immigration

Where do the candidates stand on immigration? Learn More >

Watching the Debates

 

The 2024 debate season has already been an extraordinary one, with President Joe Biden dropping his reelection bid in the wake of the first. What should you watch for when the candidates meet face to face?

 

Pre-Debate Guide

What are your expectations for the debate? What issues are most important to you? Learn More >

Debate Watch Guide

What do you notice during the debate? Learn More >

Debate Reflection Guide

How do your expectations compare to what actually took place? Learn More >

Voting and the Youth Vote

 

Why is it so important to vote? How did 18-year-olds secure the right to vote? Is 18 an appropriate voting age or should that requirement be lowered further? Are any changes needed in the U.S. electoral system? 

 

2024 Primaries and Caucuses

Should Iowa and New Hampshire have first-in-the-nation voting status? Learn More >

New Voter Federal Election Guide

When can you register and vote in your state? Learn More >

The 26th Amendment: The Long Road to the Fastest Ratification

Watch our documentary featuring rare archival footage and interviews! Learn More >

Youth Voting

Should the voting age be lowered to 16? Learn More >

Freedom to Vote Act

Should Congress pass S.2344, the Freedom to Vote Act? Learn More >

Other Election Resources

 

The resources below cover a range of election-related topics, including the role of the media and reflections on the current political climate.

 

Understanding the Media

When we refer to “the media,” what do we mean? Learn More >

Reflecting on Political Conflict

What about our current political climate is troubling or hopeful? Learn More >
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