Tuesday, November 4th, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Scott Paradise
(913) 485-9266
Hi-Res Photo: Color | B&W
Pauline, Kans. -- J.R. Claeys joined volunteers across the state today for the Kids Voting Kansas program. Kids Voting Kansas, a part of the Kids Voting USA program, encourages civic participation by allowing children to vote in the polls with their parents. It is a program that has little cost, but immeasurable benefits. Expansion of this program into more school districts is important to J.R. as it is to many Kansans.

"Bringing Kids to the polls introduces them to how their government works," said Claeys. "They learn early that participation is a responsibility for all Kansans."

In addition to expansion of the Kids Voting Kansas program, J.R. believes that schools need to return to teaching civics in the classroom. A strong foundation of community involvement combined with participation in the Kids Voting Kansas program will give children a strong sense of community.

Encouraging our children to be a part of our communities will both strengthen communities through participation and increase voter registration and turnout. Civic responsibility starts at home and should be reinforced at school. Participation in elections and civic groups is key to making our communities the envy of the world.


PHOTO: Official Campaign Photo (Hi-Res)

ABOUT J.R. CLAEYS
J.R. Claeys is a fifth-generation Kansan born and raised in Salina, Kans. He is seeking the Republican nomination for Kansas Secretary of State in the primary election on August 3, 2010. Claeys graduated from Kansas State University, worked as a fundraiser for the Repubican National Committee and served as CEO of a major national business organization. He is a longtime volunteer and serves as a certified international elections observer. Claeys currently lives in Salina and owns a small business that helps nonprofit organizations with their fundraising efforts. Continuing his commitment to Republican causes, Claeys serves on the executive board of the Kansas Young Republicans. For more information, visit www.JRClaeys.com.