Finding hope in writing postcards [Voices of Democracy series]
I kept asking myself if my voter registration efforts over the last two years would amount to anything? Had I done enough? Would the youth electorate show up in record numbers? I hoped so. When you have been working towards something for so long, the last few moments feel the most chaotic and nerve-racking.
My godmother overcame Jim Crow laws to vote. I register voters for her. [Voices of Democracy series]
I could not let her sacrifices and perseverance go in vain. I knew I had to find a way to amplify the voices of my people and others in America who are silenced in not only our democracy today, but also throughout the history of our nation.
Bloomington in Action
Before their collaboration on a digital voter registration drive, Lucia Walker and Celina German never knew they lived in the same neighborhood, let alone the same town. Lucia, a rising senior at Bloomington High School South in Bloomington, Indiana, and Celina, a rising senior at Kenyon College and a BHSS alumna, are both interested in civic engagement.
What you can do
A note from a high school student asked what he could do to improve high school voter registration rates in his hometown. It got me thinking about creating a list of easy-to-use resources laying out what students can do on a personal level and in their schools to make a difference.
Increasing Youth Voter Turnout in Pima County, Arizona Means First Increasing Youth Voter Registration
Recent reports have called attention to low youth voter turnout in the 2020 presidential primaries. If this trend continues in the general election in November, look to low youth voter registration rates as a driving factor. In Arizona, for example, 17-year-olds can register to vote if they will be 18 by the date of the general election. This creates a great opportunity for high school students to register to vote before they graduate, but the law is underused.
A Letter to High School Climate Strikers
What you are planning is remarkable. I’m a lawyer, parent, and former law clerk to Justice Ginsburg (yes, the Notorious RBG). As I asked myself what I might do to support you, I tried to imagine what might be on your mind.
In D.C., the Doors are Open
According to The Civics Center’s new analysis, as of August 2019, only 19% of 16- and 17-year-olds in D.C. are pre-registered to vote. Despite D.C.’s success in passing reforms aimed at removing obstacles to voter participation, there is still room for improvement, especially in fully engaging youth in the electoral process. An estimated 4% of D.C.’s 16 year-olds are pre-registered to vote, while there is a significant increase of pre-registered 17 year-olds at 35%.
Introducing High School Voter Registration Week
Too often in the past, people have dismissed concerns about low levels of youth involvement as being based on the stereotype that young people are apathetic and self-centered. That’s not what we see at The Civics Center.
What’s going on with voter pre-registration in West Virginia?
The average pre-registration rate in West Virginia is just 14%. While on par with California, statewide pre-registration averages in West Virginia are dwarfed by states like Colorado and Oregon that see numbers doubling W.V.’s rate.
Leading by Example: Lee County, Florida Excels in Civic Engagement
Lee County teaches us that voter education and registration should be a tradition in high schools just like homecoming, college preparation, and graduation. Just as the college application process is about preparing students for their academic lives after high school, the voter education process should be about preparing students for their civic lives after high school.
Nobody asked.
Why haven't we created an infrastructure for our democracy in which everyone is asked to participate?
Grit, love, and sunscreen: An open letter to high school seniors
I want to talk to you about something else that may well be the most important thing you do in your time in high school. I want to talk to you about voter registration. I want all of you to make sure that you and your friends will all be able to vote in 2020.
What Is Voter Suppression?
One of the reasons I started The Civics Center was to help high schools get the resources they need to teach students about democracy and how our governmental institutions should work. One issue that can harm our democracy and that needs greater understanding is voter suppression.
Happy Belated Temperance and Good Citizenship Day!
In Washington state, the long road toward establishing pre-registration -- which will be available to all state 16- and 17-year-olds on July 1st this year -- was in large part paved by the tenacity of a social studies teacher-turned-legislator.
Demasiado joven para votar, pero no demasiado joven para preocuparse
Algunos estudiantes del último año de secundaria ya tienen 18 años o cumplirán 18 años para el 6 de noviembre. Las elecciones a mitad de legislatura serán su primera oportunidad de votar.
Are your students prepared for Election Day?
The Midterm Election is on Tuesday! This will be the first opportunity to vote for some seniors at your school.
Too young to vote, but not too young to care.
Some high school seniors are already 18 or will turn 18 by November 6. The midterm elections will be their first opportunity to vote. Most high school students, however, won’t yet be 18 by November. That doesn’t mean they don’t care, and that doesn’t mean they can’t have a real impact.
Part Five: 5-5=Vote!
Reason #5: It’s not effective. Some young people think voting doesn’t matter because voting is not an effective way of creating change.
Part Four: 5-5=Vote!
Reason #4: I move all the time. Studies show young adults move a lot, an average of 6 times by the time they’re 30 years old.