Kamala Harris Wins Nickelodeon Kids’ Presidential Poll, Stirring Reactions and Insight into Young Voter Sentiments

Vice President Kamala Harris has been declared the winner of Nickelodeon’s “Kids Pick the President” poll, securing 52% of the vote against former President Donald Trump’s 48%. Although the poll doesn’t carry any weight in the actual election, Nickelodeon’s long-running poll has a notable track record, accurately predicting election outcomes all but twice since it started in 1988.

Harris’ slim victory, while just a children’s preference, could signal some encouragement for Democrats as Election Day approaches. The online poll, which ran from October 3 through October 23, drew over 32,000 votes and was hosted by Nate Burleson and his daughter Mia. Beyond just casting votes, the program gave young participants an opportunity to explore critical issues shaping their future, such as the economy, healthcare, and artificial intelligence.

As per The Independent, The show also highlighted young activists championing causes like educational access and heart health awareness, giving young viewers a broader context for the democratic process. Interestingly, while Harris narrowly won the kids’ vote, she performed much better among young adults in formal polls. According to a recent Harvard survey of likely voters under 30, Harris leads Trump by a wide margin of 28 points, with 60% favoring her over Trump’s 32%.

This contrast between children and young adult preferences has sparked considerable discussion online, as social media users responded to the narrow margin in the Nickelodeon poll. The close result led some online commenters to criticize the influences shaping young minds. One user on X (formerly Twitter) commented, “52% is so f***ing low…this is insane.

As per the Daily Mail, The parents of these kids must be VILE.” Another wrote, “The parents of the 48% need to be talked to, because what the f-.” Echoing these concerns, one person noted, “52% isn’t the landslide I needed it to be. These kids are down bad.” Another user quipped, “Civics classes help make sure young kids aren’t influenced like their parents. That’s why the GOP hates that kind of education.”

Not all reactions were serious, with some dismissing the poll’s importance, while others viewed it as a lighthearted introduction to democracy for young viewers. A MAGA supporter chimed in with skepticism, writing, “That is the only poll she will win…” Despite the criticism, many recognize the value of introducing kids to the democratic process in an accessible way.

Nickelodeon’s former “Nick News” host, Linda Ellerbee, previously noted, “It is important to take note of who won the Kids’ Vote, simply because so many kids vote the way their parents will. But what really counts is this: They participated in democracy. They voted. How can this be anything but good?”

The poll’s outcome comes as the real race between Harris and Trump remains tight. National polling shows both candidates running close, and Harris holds slim leads in several battleground states. Meanwhile, Trump’s strength in swing states like Arizona, Georgia, and Nevada underscores the competitiveness of this election.

As the nation approaches Election Day, the Nickelodeon poll serves as both an educational tool and a reflection of young people’s early interest in political engagement. While the results may not have any direct impact on the actual election, they offer a glimpse into young Americans’ political leanings and, as Ellerbee emphasized, encourage democratic participation from an early age.