In a playful yet closely-watched tradition, Nickelodeon’s “Kids Pick the President” poll has awarded its 2024 presidential election nod to Vice President Kamala Harris, who captured 52% of the vote over Donald Trump’s 48%.
This mock election, which has entertained young viewers since 1988, received over 32,000 virtual ballots from kids across the U.S. between Oct. 3 and 23.
The poll’s results, though unofficial and non-scientific, are often surprising indicators of voter sentiment; Nickelodeon’s kids have only mispredicted the U.S. election outcome twice since its inception.
Harris’s narrow victory marks the slimmest margin since Barack Obama’s close win in 2008, suggesting the young electorate is watching the 2024 race closely.
Nickelodeon will formally announce the results on Monday at 8 p.m. ET/PT during a half-hour special hosted by Nate Burleson and his daughter, Mia.
Airing on Nickelodeon’s cable channels and streaming platforms like Paramount+ and Pluto TV, the special will explore issues young people care most about, from the economy to AI, as well as kids’ perspectives on health, technology, and school safety.
As part of its commitment to fostering civic awareness, Nickelodeon has also partnered with the National Association of Media Literacy Educators, offering resources for parents to discuss media and news with their children.
The “Kids Pick the President” initiative is under Nickelodeon’s “Our World” program, which works with organizations like 4-H and the Aspen Institute to inspire youth agency and involvement.
The poll, overseen by Nickelodeon’s Unscripted and Digital Franchise team, is part of Nickelodeon’s prosocial mission to give children a voice.
For voters and candidates alike, the choice of Harris in the poll may provide an early look at a generation’s values and aspirations heading into next week’s election.
