I took Poppy with me yesterday when I voted, and so we spent more time than usual talking about how the U.S. government works. (The usual amount being: Not really at all.) Before we went in, she asked if we’d be voting for Barack Obama. I explained to her that this wasn’t a presidential election, so that wouldn’t be an option. She was sad to hear that, because she loves Obama. She doesn’t know anything about his policies or anything like that, so I asked her what it is that she likes about him.

“He wears fancy ties,” she said, “and he speaks very proudly.”

There are, I suppose, worse reasons to back a candidate.

We talked a little bit about the one issue that would be on our ballot — a tax increase that would benefit a local community college — as we drove over to vote. She decided she was in favor of it. We also talked about how to decide which candidate will get your vote.

“You examine the candidates’ views on the issues that are important to you,” I told her, “and then you vote for the one you think will do the best job. Even if that person isn’t wearing the fanciest tie.”

“I saw that coming,” she said.

Soon we’re going to delve into U.S. government a little further. I’m trying to find a good elementary-age book or two to read together, and I’m going to help her make a list of the issues she thinks are most important. And then we’ll start looking at presidential candidates. Don’t be surprised to find a 6-year-old canvassing your neighborhood for her favorite candidate. The kid is passionate about her causes.