Correction:
The story was updated to correct Ivar Molenaur's name.
If you’re a regular voter, you’ve probably been approached by canvassers sharing voter guides and sample ballots outside polling places on Election Day.
That’s normal. What’s a bit unusual this time? Pint-sized politicos in oversized t-shirts.
Meet Langdon Molenaur, 10, and seven-year-olds Miles Albrecht and Ivar Molenaur. With their parents nearby, the trio spent early Tuesday morning outside Fairlawn-West United Church of Christ, handing out last-second campaign literature.
“We believe these people will help our city,” said Langdon, whose mother, Rene, sits on the Akron Public Schools’ board.
Their hands-on civics lesson during a day off from school marked an early opportunity for the boys to appreciate the importance of civic engagement and the democratic process. After all, Rene Molenaur said her parents encouraged her to be politically engaged when she was her sons’ age.
“I knew it’s important, but probably didn’t know how important,” said Rene Molenaur, who has served on the school board since 2023.
The boys’ contribution came as Akron residents cast votes for the school board, Ward 1 and 8 council members and Summit County Issues 1 and 2. Their canvassing efforts were appreciated, even if some voters declined flyers.
“I think it’s a good thing, they need to know what’s going on,” said Rosemary Beck, a University of Akron retiree, after she voted.
The jewel of Akron is its people. They’re vibrant and resilient. Flawed, yet thoughtful and nurturing. And all of them come with compelling stories. That’s why we launched “Akron in 330.” This series offers a glimpse into everyday folks’ journeys across our many neighborhoods — 330 words at a time. Know someone we should consider? Tell us here.
Adrian Ellis saw a bit of himself in the young organizers. Ellis is the son of Gwen Bryant, who on Tuesday finished fifth out of eight school board candidates.
Ellis said that, as a child, Bryant used to tote him to school events typically reserved for adults.
For now, it’s hard to say how these early lessons in democracy will manifest in the youngsters as they age. Maybe, someday, Akronites will consider their candidacies on ballots.
For now, the kids just want to keep Akron fun.
And what’s fun about our city?
“Everything,” Langdon said before sharing a second thought. He and his brother, Ivar, agreed: Soggy school pizza is not fun.
