Explaining how the election works is great, but what is even better is watching it in action. We have always taken our kids to the voting booth (and most states will allow you to take them in the booth with you) because we want to show them that electing the next president is not only a right but a duty. Another way to get kids involved is by allowing them to watch the results come in on the night of the election (and thereafter).
We’ve created an electoral college map so your child can color it in real time. When the candidate for each state is announced, color it red or blue. Keep a tally of total electoral votes for each candidate until the 270-vote majority is reached and the new president has won!