An engaging introduction to civics for young readers with an emphasis on participation. 

What are the different levels of government in Wisconsin? How are laws made? What is a political party? Who is allowed to vote in elections? How can citizens get involved in their communities? 

These questions and many more are answered in this revised and updated edition of Voices and Votes, aimed at students in grades 3–5. Filled with color photos and illustrations—as well as diagrams, maps, and vocabulary words that make the material easy to absorb—this book explores: 

• The fundamentals of federal, state, local, and Tribal government  
• How Wisconsin’s constitution was created and how it has changed 
• The way elections work and why voting matters 

Readers will also find compelling examples of citizens from our state’s past who spoke up and worked to change laws and policies in order to improve their communities, including: 

• Gaylord Nelson, who advocated for the environment as a state senator, member of Congress, and governor 
• Vel Phillips, who helped expand housing opportunities as a member of Milwaukee’s city council 
• Jesus Salas, who worked with state agencies to improve the lives of migrant farmworkers in Wisconsin 

The book also offers contemporary stories of young people engaging with their communities, working to solve problems, and sharing their voices. This brilliantly updated edition of Voices and Votes will inspire a new generation of readers to understand and participate in our democracy.

Kurt D. Fausch is professor emeritus in the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology at Colorado State University. He has received lifetime achievement awards from the American Fisheries Society and World Council of Fisheries Societies, and the Leopold Conservation Award from Fly Fishers International. His book For the Love of Rivers: A Scientist’s Journey is a winner of the Sigurd F. Olson Nature Writing Award.