Parents can cast their vote on election day with more convenience as the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga announced it will open child watch at its branch sites — Downtown, Hamilton, Cleveland, North River and North Georgia for voting parents on Nov. 8.
Members as well as nonmembers can leave children for up to two hours on election day while they vote. The child watch will be open from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. and again from 4-8 p.m. Reservation for nonmembers will be required. Parents should call their local YMCA branch to reserve, as space will be limited.
While parents are voting, kids will engage civic-minded activities that correspond with the Y’s core values of encouraging children to envision and pursue a positive future—even if that vision is to one day become president, said officials.
“We want to not only provide greater ease for voting parents by extending our childcare, but we also want to encourage and empower children to pursue whatever their future goals are,” said Janet Dunn, president/CEO, YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga. “It’s through initiatives like our childcare that we can impart those values.”
The event is inspired by the Y’s recent Zoe for President Campaign, which aims to educate consumers and prospective donors on the Y’s ability to take care of individuals and communities from birth through retirement, like no other organization in America - all through the lens of a mock presidential campaign designed to elect a one-year-old as president in 2064.
In addition, all local Y branches will also offer an $8 joining fee to commemorate this historic date.