‘Voting Village' helps North Texas parents cast their ballots with kids in tow

Bubbles, snacks and coloring books may not be typical voting essentials, but for parents heading to the polls with young children, they can make all the difference.

Lauren Yingst learned that lesson the hard way during this year’s special election.

“And while I was talking with the poll workers and handing over my ID, she managed to pull on a cord and she knocked out all of the voting machines, every single one. And it was so embarrassing,” Yingst said.

That experience helped inspire the “Voting Village,” an effort sponsored by the nonpartisan group Mother Forward and organized by Yingst.

The group provides activities and support for parents bringing their children to the polls, giving kids something to do while their parents vote.

“Grab something to take with them and go and vote without worrying about their little one messing with things that they shouldn’t be,” Yingst said.

Yingst, who brought her own baby along, said she wants to offer other parents the type of support she has received from her own family and friends.

“I have surrounded myself with some other amazing moms and some family members that have been my village, and I want to be there for others who maybe don’t have that or just could use an extra hand,” Yingst said.

For DFW-area mom Niki Fanara, keeping a child entertained while waiting to vote can be challenging.

“One less thing of worrying about if your kid’s going to be able to stand in line,” Fanara said.

“In the beginning, it was really easy. But after about 10 minutes, it was really difficult to keep him entertained,” she added.

Sammi Jo Daley even chose the Bedford Public Library as her polling location because this village was waiting.

“It’s not the easiest thing to do with kids,” Daley said.

Whether children are trying to sneak off or simply getting restless, this village is helping keep tomorrow’s voters occupied while today’s voters cast their ballots.

“I think it’s incredibly important to vote, and I think it’s even better to show our kids that it’s something that we need to do,” Daley said.