Wisconsin’s Newest Voters: Democracy Optimism and How to Build On It
Efforts to register and turnout the youngest voters in Wisconsin had enormous impact in statewide elections in the 2022 midterms and the 2023 judicial election for the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
A Catalyst for the Youth Vote: High School Voter Registration Week
The Civics Center launched High School Voter Registration Week four years ago to encourage the youth vote. Here are the three reasons why we made this decision.
Smoothing the On-ramp to Democracy: Voter Registration as a Staple of American High Schools
It’s a new school year, which means I’m once again shouting for anyone who is listening: high school voter registration is the most underestimated, underfunded, and underutilized method we have for strengthening democracy in America today.
The Freedom to Vote Act: what it can and can’t do for Gen Z
The 2023 Freedom to Vote Act (FTVA) is a landmark bill to strengthen our democracy. How can the FTVA help young voters? Here’s an overview.
Youth Voting: The secret weapon we can all use to strengthen our democracy (and why it remains unappreciated)
I was speaking with a knowledgeable group of professionals who care about democracy, and I brought up what has become my obsession: “high school voter registration.” And then it started: the four phases of denial.
Research report: SPOTLIGHT ON NEW HAMPSHIRE
This is the second of three reports released by Civics Center on the registration and turnout statistics of New Hampshire's youngest voters.
Way to go, New York! But wait, there’s more…
S1733A seeks better implementation of high school voter registration and preregistration efforts. If signed, all school districts will need policies in place that require schools to help students register and preregister to vote.
New York: Real Progress Is Underway In Welcoming Young Voters
The NY state legislature has passed two bills which, if signed by Governor Hochul, will make voting more accessible for youth.
What every high school student and educator should know about Shelby County
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Shelby County v. Holder makes Shelby County a voting rights case that every high school student and educator should know.
It’s been 10 years since SCOTUS’s Shelby County decision undoing preclearance. So what’s preclearance?
Ten years after Shelby County v. Holder ended preclearance, states have passed dozens of voter suppression laws. Here’s what preclearance was, why it mattered, and how we can still protect the vote.
Four Things I Love About David Pepper’s New Book, Saving Democracy (And One I’d Add)
Recently, a friend gave me a copy of David Pepper’s new book, Saving Democracy: A User’s Manual for Every American, and it’s one I hope all teens, parents and educators will embrace as a mantra for daily living.
Hey Moms & Dads: Democracy Needs You
I don’t have a megaphone, but if I did, I’d use it to send a special message to Moms, Dads, and teens: It’s a top priority for young people to have an equal voice in our democracy so they can shape the solutions for the challenges they face.
Welcome, Minnesota!
Minnesota is the latest state to allow young people to preregister to vote beginning at age 16. The new law will go into effect on June 1, and it brings to 17 the number of states that allow preregistration at age 16.
Reflections on 2024 for the 8 million US high school students who will turn 18 by the next Presidential election.
Top 5 election take-aways for high school students who care about strengthening democracy.
With Midterms Just Weeks Away, New Hampshire Lags in Registering 18-year-olds to Vote
Just weeks before the midterms, only 13% of New Hampshire’s 18-year-olds are registered to vote. With same-day registration and strong local organizing, communities can still make a big impact.
Registration rates for 18-year-olds in greater Philadelphia are rising quickly
In the lead-up to the midterms, voter registration for 18-year-olds in greater Philadelphia is climbing — but still under 30%. With one week left, Montgomery leads, and all counties have room to grow.
30+% Increase in Voter Registration for 18-Year-Olds in Greater Philadelphia Area in Just One Month
Voter registration among 18-year-olds in greater Philadelphia surged over 30% in one month, thanks to High School Voter Registration Week and community efforts — yet rates still fall short of 35%.
Statement To High School Students In Virginia: Use Your Voice, And Use Your Vote
Virginia students are speaking out and standing up for one another — and now they can preregister to vote starting at 16. Your voice and your vote matter. Register, organize, and make a difference.
Hey Pennsylvania: Register to Vote.
In Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs, fewer than 20% of youth who will be 18-years-old on Election Day are registered to vote.