2018 Election Candidates

The following were the candidates for the office of
2019 Connecticut’s Kid Governor®

Polls are closed!

The following 5th graders were the final candidates in the 2018 Statewide Election for the office of 2019 Connecticut’s Kid Governor®. The candidates were nominated by the 5th graders in their schools and completed the necessary paperwork qualifying them to run for office.

Each candidate created a campaign video (below) outlining why he or she wanted to be Connecticut’s Kid Governor; what leadership qualities he/she has; what community issue is important to him or her and why; and a three-point plan outlining ways for Connecticut 5th graders to make a difference around that issue.

Fifth grade students in registered classes watched these videos carefully and used the Analyzing Campaign Videos and Speeches worksheet to study the candidates’ platforms and inform their vote during the Statewide Election. The Statewide Election wasbe held November 5-13, 2018. Each registered 5th-grade student was entitled to one vote. All votes were due by 5pm on Tuesday, November 13, 2018.

Candidate’s Name: Ella Briggs
Candidate’s Community Issue: LGBTQ Youth Safety
Candidate’s School: CREC Ana Grace Academy of the Arts Elementary Magnet School, Avon


Candidate’s Name: Eva Greenspan
Candidate’s Community Issue: Child Poverty
Candidate’s School: Eric G. Norfeldt Elementary School, West Hartford


Candidate’s Name: Hayden Xhokaxhiu
Candidate’s Community Issue: Limiting Electronic Use
Candidate’s School: Pleasant Valley Elementary School, South Windsor


Candidate’s Name: Jason Hayes
Candidate’s Community Issue: Children’s Literacy
Candidate’s School: Casimir Pulaski Elementary School, Meriden


Candidate’s Name: Madison 
Candidate’s Community Issue: Recycling
Candidate’s School: Our Lady of Fatima School, Wilton


Candidate’s Name: Melody Valdes
Candidate’s Community Issue: Food for All
Candidate’s School: Dr. Thomas S. O’Connell Elementary School, East Hartford


Candidate’s Name: Reilly Bard
Candidate’s Community Issue: Foster Care
Candidate’s School: Plantsville Elementary School, Southington


Resources for Voting Classes
Analyzing Campaign Videos and Speeches worksheet– Students will use this worksheet when analyzing the above campaign videos (one per video) to guide their assessments of the candidates’ platforms.

Connecticut’s Kid Governor Statewide Election Ballot– This is the ballot to be used by students to cast their votes for Connecticut’s Kid Governor.

Media Kit for Schools Voting in the 2018 CTKG Statewide Election– This Media Kit will assist you in promoting the Connecticut’s Kid Governor Statewide Election experience with local media.