High School Voter Registration Standards & Statutes
State and local social studies standards generally support or require teaching students about voting, voter registration, and how and why to participate in democracy.
Many states have statutes requiring high schools to assist their students with voter registration. View the laws and policies in your state and help schools comply.
Seal of Civic Readiness (Source: CivxNow)
State
Topic
Source
| Topic | Summary | Citations | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | Describe the rights and duties of citizens, including participation in the election process. | State Standard | Government 12-12 |
| Alabama | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens, Voter Trends | Analyze historic and current barriers to voting access and voter turnout, and weigh the benefits and consequences of possible solutions. | State Standard | Government 12-7c |
| Alabama | Electoral Process/Procedure | Analyze the electoral process, focusing on election laws and systems at the national, state, and local levels, and explain their constitutional underpinnings, practical implementation, and effects on voter participation and representation in democratic governance. | State Standard | Government 12-11 |
| Alaska | Electoral Process/Procedure | Examine different electoral systems in the United States and explain how to register to vote. | State Standard | SS.9‐12.7.8 |
| Alaska | Voter Trends | Using data and evidence, examine influences on and barriers to voter participation and voter behavior. | State Standard | SS.9‐12.7.7 |
| Arizona | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | Explain the importance of individual participation in civic and political institutions. | State Standard | HS.C2.1 |
| Arizona | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | Analyze the responsibilities of citizens | State Standard | HS.C2.4 |
| Arizona | Electoral Process/Procedure | Explain the procedures for elections at the local, state, tribal, and national levels. | State Standard | HS.C4.3 |
| Arkansas | Electoral Process/Procedure | Analyze the election process in federal, state, and local governments including voter registration, primary elections, and general elections. | State Standard | C.3.CIV.13 |
| Arkansas | Historical Connections | Examine the amendments to the U.S. Constitution in order to determine how the roles of citizens and the federal and state governments have changed over time: Bill of Rights, Incorporation of states’ rights into government, Due process, Citizenship and equal protection (14th Amendment), Voting rights (e.g., 15th Amendment, 19th Amendment, 24th Amendment, 26th Amendment) | State Standard | C.3.CIV.8 |
| Arkansas | Electoral Process/Procedure | Analyze cooperation and conflict among federal, state, and local governments when carrying out public policy (e.g., elections/voting, law enforcement, education, housing). | State Standard | C.4.CIV.5 |
| California | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | 12.2 Students evaluate and take and defend positions on the scope and limits of rights and obligations as democratic citizens, the relationships among them, and how they are secured. 12.2.4 Understand the obligations of civic-mindedness, including voting, being informed on civic issues, volunteering and performing public service, and serving in the military or alternative service | State Standard | 12.2.4 |
| California | Electoral Process/Procedure | 12.6 Students evaluate issues regarding campaigns for national, state, and local elective offices. 12.6.4 Describe the means that citizens use to participate in the political process (e.g., voting, campaigning, lobbying, filing a legal challenge, demonstrating, petitioning, picketing, running for political office). | State Standard | 12.6.4 |
| California | Form distribution | High schools are required to designate a person responsible for distributing voter registration forms, and the Secretary of State is required to distribute forms to high schools and to report to the Legislature regarding student voter registration efforts. | State Statute | Cal. Elec. Code §2146(a) & (b), Cal. Elec. Code §2148 |
| California | Special days | The last two full weeks in April and September are designated as High School Voter Education Weeks, during which time persons authorized by the county elections official shall be allowed to register students and school personnel on any high school campus. | State Statute | Cal. Educ. Code § 49040 |
| Colorado | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | GLE 3: Analyze the impact of civic participation on political institutions and public policy. EO a: Describe how members of a civil society can impact public policy on local, state, national, or international issues by exercising their civic rights and responsibilities. For example: Participation in primaries and general elections, contact with elected officials, petitions, protesting, attending public forums, or through initiatives and referenda. | State Standard | SS.HS.4.3.a |
| Colorado | Electoral Process/Procedure | GLE 3: Analyze the impact of civic participation on political institutions and public policy. EO c: Analyze the impact of state and federal policies on campaigns and elections. For example: PACs, campaign finance, gerrymandering/redistricting, state and federal voting laws and regulations, Colorado’s voting laws, and the Federal Election Commission. | State Standard | SS.HS.4.3.c |
| Colorado | Training | The county clerk and recorder shall train and supervise the high school deputy registrars. | State Statute | Colo. Rev. Stat. § 1-2-403(1) & (2) |
| Colorado | Form distribution | The county clerk and recorder shall issue sufficient materials to each high school deputy registrar for the registration or preregistration of all eligible students, employees, and other persons at the high school which the high school deputy registrar serves. | State Statute | Colo. Rev. Stat. § 1-2-403(1) & (2) |
| Connecticut | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | Analyze the rights and responsibilities of individuals in the United States (e.g., 4th Amendment, trial by jury, jury service, interacting with law enforcement, voting). | State Standard | CG.Civ.2.e |
| Connecticut | Electoral Process/Procedure, Voter Registration (Explicit) | Analyze how elections and the electoral process are executed and maintained by constitutions and laws in the United States (e.g., voter registration, transfer of power, Electoral College, federalism). | State Standard | CG.Civ.3.a |
| Connecticut | Voter Trends | Analyze trends in access to voting, voter turnout, and voter representation over time (e.g., gerrymandering, reapportionment, redistricting, voter socialization). | State Standard | CG.Civ.2.d. |
| Connecticut | Civic Action | Evaluate the effectiveness of strategies used by an individual, group or institution in addressing a social problem at the local, state, tribal, national, and/or international level (e.g., social protest movements, get-out-the-vote campaigns, conscious consumerism). | State Standard | CG.Civ.5.b. |
| Connecticut | Civic Action | Evaluate and implement strategies for individual and collective action to address local, regional, and global problems in classrooms, schools, and out-of school civic contexts. | State Standard | CG.Inq.4.f. |
| Connecticut | Form distribution, Special days | Registrars of voters shall hold registration sessions in public high schools annually in the winter or spring and must distribute voter registration information in high schools in September each year. | State Statute | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 9-17(c) |
| Delaware | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | Civics Anchor Standard Three: Students will understand the responsibilities, rights, and privileges of United States citizens [Citizenship] 9-12a: Students will understand that citizens are individually responsible for keeping themselves informed about public policy issues on the local, state, and federal levels; participating in the civic process; and upholding the laws of the land (listed skills include registering to vote) | State Standard | C.3.9-12a |
| Florida | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | Explain the importance of political and civic participation to the success of the United States’ constitutional republic. Clarification 1: Students will discuss various ways in which U.S. citizens can exercise political and civic participation | State Standard | SS.912.CG.2.2 |
| Florida | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens, Electoral Process/Procedure, Voter Registration (Explicit) | Explain the responsibilities of citizens at the local, state, and national levels. Clarification 1: Students will identify various responsibilities held by citizens (e.g., voting, volunteering and being informed, respecting laws). Clarification 2: Students will understand the process of registering or preregistering to vote and how to complete a ballot in Florida (e.g., uniform primary and general election ballot). Clarification 4: Students will participate in classroom activities that simulate exercising theresponsibilities of citizenship. | State Standard | SS.912.CG.2.3 |
| Florida | Historical Connections, Voter Trends | Analyze factors that contribute to voter turnout in local, state, and national elections. Clarification 2: Students will discuss attempts to increase voter turnout (e.g., get out the vote campaigns, social movements). Clarification 3: Students will explain how governmental action has affected voter participation (e.g., 15th, 19th and 26th Amendments; Jim Crow laws; poll tax; efforts to suppress voters). | State Standard | SS.912.CG.2.10 |
| Florida | Education and training | County supervisor shall conduct at least one high school voter registration / education program in each public high school every year. The program must be developed in cooperation with the local school board and be designed for maximum effectiveness in reaching and educating high school students who are eligible to pre-register or register. | State Statute | Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 1S-2.033 |
| Georgia | US Constitution | Identify how amendments extend the right to vote. | State Standard | SSCG7.d |
| Georgia | Electoral Process/Procedure | Describe the nomination and election process. | State Standard | SSCG15.b |
| Georgia | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens, Electoral Process/Procedure | Describe how citizens voluntarily and responsibly participate in the political process by voting, performing public service, being informed about current issues, and respecting differing opinions. | State Standard | SSCG16.b |
| Georgia | Education | Each public school student shall be apprised of his or her right to register as an elector and to vote in elections. | State Statute | O.C.G.A. § 20-2-310(b) |
| Georgia | Special days | Each eligible student shall be given an opportunity, arranged by the school administration, to register to vote at his or her school during the month of April of each year. | State Statute | O.C.G.A. § 20-2-310(b) |
| Hawaii | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | Assess the importance of exercising the rights and responsibilities of citizenship in a democracy. Sample Content/Concepts: Rights and Responsibilities: being an informed and active citizen, paying taxes, respecting the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others, serving jury duty, understanding and exercising the rights of citizenship, voting | State Standard | SS.PID.3.7.2 |
| Hawaii | Civic Action | Plan and demonstrate some ways in which an active citizen can effect change in the community, state, nation, or world. Sample Content/Concepts: Citizen Engagement Actions: forming a club, peaceful protesting, providing a forum for debate, providing public testimony, running for office, volunteering, voting, writing letters to policymakers and the media | State Standard | SS.PID.5.7.1 |
| Idaho | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | Describe, at the national, state, and local level, what should be reasonably expected from any citizen or resident of the U.S. and explain why it is important for the well-being of the nation, including being informed on civic issues, serving in the military or alternative service, obeying the law, paying taxes, volunteering, and performing public service, respecting the rights of others, serving as a juror, and voting. | State Standard | 9-12.GOV.13 |
| Idaho | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | Describe the means that citizens use to responsibly participate in the political process, including campaigning, petitioning, demonstrating, running for office, lobbying, and voting. | State Standard | 9-12.GOV.18 |
| Idaho | Electoral Process/Procedure | Explain the role of state governments in administering elections and compare different state’s voting rules and elections laws | State Standard | 9-12.GOV.54 |
| Idaho | Electoral Process/Procedure | Evaluate the challenges of the election process. | State Standard | 9-12.GOV.55 |
| Illinois | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | Evaluate the opportunities and limitations of participation in elections, voting, and the electoral process, and the impact disenfranchisement has on these processes. | State Standard | SS.9-12.CV.2 |
| Illinois | Civic Action | Use deliberative processes and apply appropriate civic engagement strategies and procedures to address local, regional, or global concerns, and take action in or out of school. | State Standard | SS.9-12.IS.13 |
| Illinois | Form distribution | The State Board of Elections shall prepare a one page document explaining the process to register to vote to be disseminated to high school age students. Every high school must provide students with that document. | State Statute | 10 ILCS 5/1A-60 |
| Illinois | Nonpartisan voter registration activities | No high school may prohibit nonpartisan voter registration activities on its premises. A high school may adopt reasonable regulations restricting nonpartisan voter registration activities. | State Statute | 10 ILCS 5/1A-60 |
| Illinois | Opportunity to register | School districts shall provide all eligible students graduating from high school with the opportunity to register to vote. | State Statute | 105 ILCS 5 § 10-20.88, 105 ILCS 5 § 34-18.88 |
| Indiana | Electoral Process/Procedure | Explain the electoral process in terms of election laws and election systems on the national, state, and local level. (E) | State Standard | USG.3.8 |
| Indiana | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | Explain and give examples of important citizen actions that can impact local, state, and federal government as individuals and members of interest groups. | State Standard | USG.5.5 |
| Indiana | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | Explain how and why citizens in the United States participate in public elections as voters and supporters of candidates for public office. (E) | State Standard | USG.5.6 |
| Indiana | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | Describe opportunities available to individuals to contribute to the well-being of their communities and participate responsibly in the political process at local, state, and federal levels of government. | State Standard | USG.5.7 |
| Iowa | Historical Connections, Voter Trends | Analyze the historical, contemporary, and emerging patterns of political action and activism. Must include, but is not limited to: Shifts in political participation which may include: special interest groups and their function, campaign contributions, and influence in elections, voting blocs, political party coalitions, campaigns, voter turnout, voter access, expansion of suffrage | State Standard | SS.9-12.Gov.11 |
| Iowa | Electoral Process/Procedure, Voter Registration (Explicit) | Analyze the electoral process and election systems in the United States, specifically Iowa election law including registration requirements, paper ballots, and absentee voting. | State Standard | SS.9-12.Gov.13 |
| Iowa | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | Analyze the rights, liberties, duties, and responsibilities of citizens of the United States and the state of Iowa. Must include, but not limited to: Inalienable (natural) rights as referenced in the Declaration of Independence, Rights granted by the U.S. Constitution, • Liberties granted by the U.S. Constitution such as religious liberty, The right to vote, The duty to register for the Selective Service May include: Duties such as jury duty, Responsibilities such as participating in the democratic process, The process of contacting a government official about an issue. | State Standard | SS.9-12.Gov.17 |
| Iowa | Opportunity to register | At least twice during each school year, public and private high schools shall offer the opportunity to register to vote to students who are at least 17 years old. | State Statute | Iowa Code § 48A.23 |
| Iowa | Education | Public and private high schools shall require, as a condition of graduation, that high school students receive instruction in voting statutes and procedures, voter registration requirements, the use of paper ballots and voting systems in the election process, and the method of acquiring and casting an absentee ballot. | State Statute | Iowa Code § 280.9A.1. & 4. |
| Kansas | Voter Registration (Explicit), Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | Suggested Units: The Role of the Citizen: Civic Values, Politics, and Government Students will explore the vital role individuals play by being civically engaged in the varying levels of government. Each will analyze their own duty and ability to influence or alter governing bodies, when needed, in accordance with founding principles and documents. Suggested Topics: citizen (tribal, state, dual, federal), citizenship, civil liberties, civil rights, civic beliefs, civic values, constitutional republic, direct/indirect democracy, elections, immigration, rights and responsibilities, rule of law, registering and voting, types of elections | State Standard | Kansas Course Code #04151 |
| Kentucky | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | Evaluate the civic responsibilities of individuals within a society. | State Standard | HS.C.RR.1 |
| Kentucky | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | Explain how active citizens can affect the lawmaking process locally, nationally and internationally. | State Standard | HS.C.RR.2 |
| Kentucky | Electoral Process/Procedure | Analyze the role of elections, bureaucracy, political parties, interest groups and media in shaping public policy. | State Standard | HS.C.PR.2 |
| Kentucky | Voter Trends | Evaluate intended and unintended consequences of public policies locally, nationally and internationally. Example listed: state laws that mandate voters display identification in order to vote are aimed at stopping voter fraud but may have the unintended consequence of decreasing voter turnout because some individuals may not have proper or up-to-date identification | State Standard | HS.C.PR.3 |
| Kentucky | Form distribution and assistance | The county clerk shall provide voter registration forms annually to each public and private high school. Each school shall have a designated person who shall be responsible for informing students of the availability of the registration forms and assisting them in registering. | State Statute | Ky. Rev. Stat. § 116.046 |
| Kentucky | Education | The State Board of Education shall implement annual programs of public education regarding elections, voting procedures, and election fraud, which shall include an audio-visual presentation for high school juniors and seniors. | State Statute | Ky. Rev. Stat. § 116.046 |
| Louisiana | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | Analyze the duties and responsibilities of citizens in the United States, including paying taxes, serving on a jury, obeying the law, voting, and Selective Service registration. | State Standard | C.11a |
| Louisiana | Electoral Process/Procedure | Explain election processes at the local, state, and federal levels, including qualifications and procedures for voting; qualifications and terms for offices; the primary system; public hearings and forums; petition, initiative, referendum, and recall; and amendments related to elections and voting. | State Standard | C.11e |
| Louisiana | Voter Trends | Analyze issues and challenges of the election process, including gerrymandering; at-large voting; voter turnout; and voter access policies. | State Standard | C.11g |
| Louisiana | Opportunity to register | Public schools shall provide an opportunity for each high school senior who is at least seventeen years old to register to vote by using a school computer to fill out an electronic voter registration application or by using the state mail voter registration application form. | State Statute | La. Rev. Stat. § 17:2121 |
| Louisiana | Special days | The first Tuesday after the first Monday in May annually shall be known as Louisiana High School Seniors Voter Registration Day. | State Statute | La. Rev. Stat. § 17:2121.1 |
| Louisiana | Voter registration agencies | Public high schools are designated as voter registration agencies. | State Statute | La. Admin. Code tit. 31, § II-503.A.2 |
| Maine | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | Students understand the constitutional and legal rights, the civic duties and responsibilities, and roles of citizens in a constitutional democracy and the role of citizens living under other forms of government in the world by: Evaluating how people influence government and work for the common good, including voting, writing to legislators, performing community service, and engaging in civil disobedience. | State Standard | Civ.9-12.2.F3 |
| Maine | Civic Action | Students understand political and civic aspects of cultural diversity by: Analyzing constitutional and political aspects of historical and/or current issues that involve unity and diversity in Maine, the United States, and other nations through selecting, planning, and implementing a civic action or service-learning project based on a community, school, state, national, or international asset or need, and evaluate the project’s effectiveness and civic contribution. | State Standard | Civ.9-12.3.D1 |
| Maine | Voter registration agencies | Public high schools are designated as voter registration agencies. | State Statute | Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 21-A, § 181(1)(B)(3) |
| Maryland | Voter Registration (Explicit) | The student will explain roles and analyze strategies individuals or groups may use to initiate change in governmental policy and institutions by: Evaluating the tools that individuals or groups may use to influence laws, government policies, and elections including referendum, acts of civil disobedience, voting, boycotts, financial contributions, digital communication, and voting drives. | State Standard | GOV.6.1.b |
| Maryland | Voter Trends | Identifying the voting patterns of various demographic groups and their impact on governmental policy. | State Standard | GOV.6.1.c |
| Massachusetts | Historical Connections | Evaluate accomplishments of the Civil Rights movement (e.g., the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act) and how they served as a model for later feminist, disability, and gender rights movements of the 20th and 21st centuries; collect and analyze demographic data to investigate trends from the 1964 to 2010 in areas such as voter registration and participation, median family income, or educational attainment among African American, Hispanic American, Asian American and white populations. | State Standard | USII.T4.6 |
| Massachusetts | Voter Trends | Research the platforms of political parties and candidates for state or national government and analyze data on campaign financing, advertising, and voter demographics, to draw conclusions about how citizens in the United States participate in public elections | State Standard | GOV.T4.2 |
| Massachusetts | Civic Action | With other students, identify a significant public policy issue in the community, gather information about that issue, fairly evaluate the various points of view and competing interests, discuss policy options as a group and seek to arrive at a consensus or compromise agreement, examine ways of participating in the decision-making process about the issue, and draft one or more position papers, oral or multimedia presentations on how the issue may be resolved. | State Standard | GOV.T4.8 |
| Massachusetts | Special days, Education, Opportunity to register | Subject to city consent, election officials are required to hold voter education and voluntary registration sessions in each high school every year between April 1 and May 15. | State Statute | Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 51 § 42C |
| Massachusetts | Form distribution | Public and private high schools shall make voter registration forms available to students. | State Statute | Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 51 § 42E |
| Massachusetts | Challenge, Opportunity to register | The state secretary must establish a non-partisan high school voter challenge program and promulgate regulations for participating high schools. Superintendents shall ensure that each challenge includes an opportunity to register or preregister. | State Statute | Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 51, § 26A |
| Michigan | Voter Registration (Explicit) | Using examples, explain the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizens as well all people living in the United States (includes "voting in national, state, and local elections" and "registering to vote") | State Standard | C – 6.2.1 |
| Michigan | Civic Action | Equip students with the skills and knowledge to explore multiple pathways for knowledgeable, civic engagement through simulations and/or realworld opportunities for involvement. | State Standard | C6.4.4 |
| Michigan | Education and outreach | The secretary of state and department of education shall annually coordinate a public education and outreach campaign to ensure that 16- and 17-year-olds are informed of their right to preregister to vote. | State Statute | Mich. Comp. Laws § 168.496a |
| Michigan | Form distribution | The department of education shall ensure that materials for voter registration and preregistration to vote are available to pupils in each public high school. | State Statute | Mich. Comp. Laws § 168.496a |
| Minnesota | Civic Action, Electoral Process/Procedure, Voter Trends | Apply civic reasoning and demonstrate civic skills for the purpose of informed and engaged lifelong civic participation. Benchmark: Demonstrate the skills necessary to participate in the election process and evaluate how access to voting is impacted by law and application of law. | State Standard | 9.1.1.2 |
| Minnesota | Electoral Process/Procedure | Governmental Institutions and Political Processes: Explain and evaluate processes, rules and laws of United States governmental institutions at local, state and federal levels and within Tribal Nations. Benchmark: Analyze how the United States political system is shaped by elections and the election process and procedures involved in voting. | State Standard | 9.1.4.5 |
| Minnesota | Form distribution | Schools must make voter-registration applications available each May and September and may request forms from the Secretary of State. | State Statute | Minn. Stat. § 201.1611(b) & (c) |
| Mississippi | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | Compare the ways that citizens participate in the political process (e.g., voting, campaigning, lobbying, filing a legal challenge, demonstrating, petitioning, picketing, running for political office, etc.). | State Standard | USG.8.2 |
| Mississippi | Voter Trends | Analyze trends in voter turnout. | State Standard | USG.8.3 |
| Mississippi | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens, Civic Action | Justify the obligations of civic mindedness (e.g., voting, being informed on civic issues, volunteering, performing public service, serving in the military or alternative service, etc.). | State Standard | USG.8.9 |
| Missouri | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | Explain a citizen’s legal obligations, as well as opportunities for, engaging with and using local, state, and federal governments to shape decision- making. | State Standard | 9-12.GV.4.GS.B |
| Missouri | Electoral Process/Procedure | Compare the various processes pertaining to the selection of political leaders at the federal, state, and local level. | State Standard | 9-12.GV.4.GS.C |
| Missouri | Civic Action | Analyze the causes and consequences of a specific issue tied to government as well as the challenges and opportunities faced by those trying to address the problem. | State Standard | 12.GV.1.CC.E. |
| Montana | Decision Making, Influence and Change | Evaluate how citizens and institutions address social and political problems at the local, state, tribal, national, and/or international levels | State Standard | SS.CG.9-12.5 |
| Montana | Decision Making, Influence and Change, Historical Connections | analyze historical, contemporary, and emerging means of changing societies, promoting the common good, and protecting rights | State Standard | SS.CG.9-12.10 |
| Nebraska | Decision Making, Influence and Change, Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens, Voter Trends | Investigate how individuals and groups can effectively use the structure and functions of various levels of government to shape policy (includes voting and methods to increase participation in voting as examples) | State Standard | SS HS.1.2.a |
| Nebraska | Voter Registration (Explicit), Civic Action | Engage and reflect on participation in civic activities, example: discussing current issues, advocating for personal rights and the rights of others, influencing governmental actions, participating in civil discourse, registering for selective service, registering to vote, and voting when reaching the age of majority, participating in community improvement activities, service learning | State Standard | SS HS.1.2.c |
| Nevada | Decision Making, Influence and Change | Analyze ways in which individuals can participate in the process of creating positive changes for their communities by taking informed civic action | State Standard | SS.9-12.CE.24 |
| Nevada | Civic Action | Apply a range of deliberative and democratic strategies and procedures to make decisions and take action regarding contemporary issues at the local, regional, and global level. | State Standard | SS.9-12.CE.12 |
| Nevada | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | Compare and contrast how different political systems currently affect the United States and its citizens. | State Standard | SS.9-12.CE.42 |
| New Hampshire | Voter Registration (Explicit), Civic Action | Demonstrate responsible practices within the political process, e.g., registering to vote or taking civic action. (Themes: B: Civic Ideals, Practices, and Engagement) | State Standard | SS:CV:12:4.1 |
| New Hampshire | Students with disabilities | Teams responsible for reviewing or developing plans for students with disabilities who are or will be 17 during the academic year shall discuss voter registration as an appropriate community living / citizenship training goal or competency and if appropriate, when and how voter registration should be accomplished. Resulting decisions shall be included in relevant plans for the student. | State Statute | NH Rev. Stat. § 186-C:8-a |
| New Jersey | Electoral Process/Procedure | Draw from multiple perspectives to evaluate the effectiveness and fairness of the processes by which local, state, and national officials are elected. | State Standard | 6.1.12.CivicsPI.14.a |
| New Jersey | Decision Making, Influence and Change, Voter Trends | Use a variety of evidence, including quantitative data, to evaluate the impact community groups and state policies have had on increasing the youth vote | State Standard | 6.1.12.CivicsCM.14 |
| New Jersey | Form distribution | Public and private high schools must provide voter-registration forms and civic-participation information to seniors. | State Statute | N.J. Stat. § 18A:36-27 |
| New Jersey | Monitoring | School district and private school administrators must provide the executive county superintendent with a statement of assurance concerning their distribution of voter registration forms and civic participation information. | State Statute | N.J. Admin. Code § 6A:32-14.2 |
| New Mexico | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | Analyze rights and obligations of citizens of the United States | State Standard | 9-12.Civ.45. |
| New Mexico | Decision Making, Influence and Change | Analyze the role of groups without formal decision-making power in influencing change in the U.S. government. | State Standard | 9-12.Civ.16 |
| New Mexico | Voter Trends | Analyze historic inequalities and evaluate proposed solutions to correct them. | State Standard | 9-12.Civ.41 |
| New Mexico | Civic Action | Plan and demonstrate some ways in which an active citizen can effect change in the community, state, nation, or world. | State Standard | 9-12.Civ.47 |
| New Mexico | Civic Action | Take informed action to improve your community | State Standard | 9-12.Civ.49 |
| New York | Electoral Process/Procedure, Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens, Voter Registration (Explicit) | The right to vote, a cornerstone of democracy, is the most direct way for citizens to participate in the government. A citizen must register to vote, and may register as a party member or select the status ot independent | State Standard | 12.G3b |
| New York | Electoral Process/Procedure, Voter Registration (Explicit) | Allowing citizens to vote does not ensure that a system is a democracy. Open, safe, and hoenst elections are essential to a democratic system. Engaged and informed citizens should know the mechanics associated with voting, including when major local, state, and national elections are held, how to register to vote, who currently holds each office, who is running for offine, and what the central issues are pertaining to that election. | State Standard | 12.G4b |
| New York | District policies, Form distribution, Opportunity to register | School boards and governing bodies of private schools are required to adopt policies and procedures for providing students with access to voter registration and preregistration forms, assistance with completing forms, and information on the requirements to register and preregister to vote. | State Statute | N.Y. Elec. Law § 5-507.2 |
| North Carolina | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | Differentiate citizenship and civic participation in terms of responsibilities, duties, and privileges of citizens. | State Standard | CL.C&G.3.1 |
| North Carolina | Electoral Process/Procedure | Assess the effectiveness of the election process at the national, state, and local levels. | State Standard | CL.C&G.3.7 |
| North Carolina | Form distribution | Every public high school shall make available to its students and others who are eligible to register to vote the application forms, application forms, and shall keep a sufficient supply of the forms so that they are always available. | State Statute | N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163-82.23 |
| North Dakota | Decision Making, Influence and Change, Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | Explain how citizens can influence government (includes voting as an example). | State Standard | C.6_12.4.1 |
| North Dakota | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | Explain how citizens’ personal and civic responsibilities are important to the preservation and improvement of United States constitutional republic (includes registering as a voter as an example) | State Standard | C.6_12.4.3 |
| Ohio | Decision Making, Influence and Change, Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | TOPIC: Students can engage societal problems and participate in opportunities to contribute to the common good through governmental and nongovernmental channels. CONTENT STATEMENTS: 1. Opportunities for civic engagement within the structures of government are made possible through political and public policy processes. | State Standard | AG.CI.1 |
| Ohio | Civic Action, Decision Making, Influence and Change | Topic: Democratic government is enhanced when individuals exercise the skills to effectively participate in civic affairs. 3. Issues can be analyzed through the critical use of credible sources. 4. The processes of persuasion, compromise, consensus building and negotiation contribute to the democratic process. | State Standard | AG.CS.3 & AG.CS.4 |
| Ohio | Schools as designated registration locations | Persons qualified to register or to change their registration because of a change of address or change of name may register or change their registration in person at any state or local office of a designated agency, ... at a public high school ... | State Statute | Ohio Rev. Code § 3503.19 |
| Oklahoma | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | Define civic virtue and explain the individual’s duty and responsibility to participate in civic life by voting, serving on juries, volunteering within the community, running for office, serving on a political campaign, paying state and federal taxes prior to the April 15th annual deadline, and respecting legitimate authority. | State Standard | USG.5.1 |
| Oklahoma | Decision Making, Influence and Change | Analyze how our system of government provides citizens opportunities to monitor and influence the actions of the government and hold elected officials accountable. | State Standard | USG.5.3 |
| Oregon | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens, Civic Action, Decision Making, Influence and Change | Describe the civic behaviors that promote and strengthen a pluralistic democracy. Examples include, but not limited to: Cooperation and compromise, Joining an organization or participating in the community, Engaging with multiple perspectives, Civic activism, Critical thinking, Journalism, Voting in elections, Military service, Volunteering, Holding public office | State Standard | HS.C.IR.9 |
| Oregon | Electoral Process/Procedure | Identify the requirements and process for voting | State Standard | HS.C.DP.16 |
| Oregon | District plans, Form distribution | School districts with high schools must adopt plans for encouraging students to register to vote and to vote in elections, including posting a link to the state's online voter registration website and making voter registration information available to students. | State Statute | ORS § 329.049 |
| Oregon | Education | The State Board of Education shall by rule incorporate voter registration skills into the Essential Learning Skills. | State Statute | ORS § 329.049 |
| Pennsylvania | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | Evaluate an individual's civil rights, responsibilities and obligations in various contemporary governments. | State Standard | 5.2.12.A |
| Pennsylvania | Electoral Process/Procedure | Explain how citizens participate in choosing their leaders through political parties, campaigns, and elections. | State Standard | 5.3.9.D |
| Pennsylvania | Electoral Process/Procedure | Compare and contrast the different election processes for local, state, and national offices. | State Standard | 5.3.9.E |
| Pennsylvania | Electoral Process/Procedure | Evaluate the fairness and effectiveness of the United States electoral processes, including the electoral college. | State Standard | 5.3.12.E |
| Pennsylvania | School space available | School boards must provide space in public school buildings when county voter-registration commissions request it for registration activities. | State Statute | 25 Pa. Stat. § 1322(d) |
| Rhode Island | Electoral Process/Procedure | Voting systems and their role in government: Analyze the different types of voting systems and how people vote b. Explain the conditions and process of registering to vote (e.g., eligibility and debates about eligibility) | State Standard | SSHS.CVC.6.1.b |
| Rhode Island | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens, Voter Trends | Argue how different definitions of citizenship and how to act as a citizen have impacted different people over time c. Explain the responsibilities of being an active and responsible participant in a community d. Analyze the barriers to full participation as citizens, and argue who benefits from them | State Standard | SSHS.CVC.1.3.c&d |
| Rhode Island | Decision Making, Influence and Change, Voter Trends | a. Analyze the reasons why people become politically involved b. Explain opportunities to become politically involved, and argue the impacts of that involvement c. Analyze barriers to becoming politically involved (e.g., voting restrictions, intimidation, lack of support) and resistance to those barriers | State Standard | SSHS.CVC.5.4.a,b,c |
| Rhode Island | Voter Trends | Argue the short- and long- term implications of voter turnout and participation on the outcomes of the political process a. Analyze voting behavior and patterns of voting, and argue what influences the behavior and the impacts of that behavior on outcomes (e.g., on elections, on decisions over controversial issues) b. Analyze patterns of voting over time, and argue the impacts changes in patterns have had on outcomes d. Analyze contemporary debates and issues around voting (e.g., voting hours, transportation to polls, voter identification requirements including the allowance of using tribal IDs to vote in Rhode Island, role of the electoral college, absentee voting) and argue a stance on an issue | State Standard | SSHS.CVC.6.4.a,b,d |
| Rhode Island | Voter registration drives | Election boards must conduct voter-registration drives annually in high schools. | State Statute | R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-9.1-4.1 |
| South Carolina | Decision Making, Influence and Change, Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | Describe and evaluate the ways citizens can participate in the political process at the local, state, national, and global levels. This indicator was developed to encourage inquiry into the responsibilities associated with citizenship in the United States and the importance of those responsibilities in a democratic society. | State Standard | USG.4.IP |
| South Carolina | Form availability | Every high school shall make voter registration application forms available to its students. | State Statute | S.C. Code § 59-39-200 |
| South Dakota | Electoral Process/Procedure | The student explains the election process at the state and local levels of government in South Dakota, including the importance of frequent and fair elections. | State Standard | 9-12.C.17 |
| Tennessee | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | Describe what should be reasonably expected from any citizen or resident of the U.S., and explain why it is important for the well-being of the nation, including: voting | State Standard | GC.31 |
| Tennessee | Decision Making, Influence and Change | Describe the means that citizens use to participate in the political process, including: Campaigning, Petitioning, Demonstrating, Running for office, Lobbying, Voting | State Standard | GC.34 |
| Tennessee | Voter registration agencies | Public high schools are designated as voter registration agencies. | State Statute | Tenn. Code § 2-2-202(3) |
| Tennessee | Form distribution | High schools are required to distribute voter registration forms, assist with completion, and transmit forms to election officials. | State Statute | Tenn. Code § 2-2-205 |
| Texas | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | Explain the responsibilities, duties, and obligations of citizenship such as being well informed about civic affairs, serving in the military, voting, serving on a jury, observing the laws, paying taxes, and serving the public good; and | State Standard | §113.44(d)(13)(B) |
| Texas | Voter Registration (Explicit) | Describe the voter registration process and the criteria for voting in elections. | State Standard | §113.44(d)(13)(C) |
| Texas | Form distribution | High schools principals are required to designate a deputy registrar, and deputy registrars are required to distribute voter registration forms twice per year to each student who is or will be 18 years of age or older during that year. | State Statute | Tex. Elec. Code § 13.046 |
| Utah | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | Students will explain the purpose and importance of fulfilling civic responsibilities, including serving on juries; voting; serving onboards, councils, and commissions; remaining well-informed; contacting elected officials; and other duties associated with active citizenship. | State Standard | UT.US.GOV.2.3 |
| Vermont | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | [Uses national framework] Analyze the role of citizens in the U.S. political system, with attention to various theories of democracy, changes in Americans’ participation over time, and alternative models from other countries, past and present. | State Standard | D2.Civ.2.9-12 |
| Vermont | Decision Making, Influence and Change | Evaluate public policies in terms of intended and unintended outcomes, and related consequences. | State Standard | D2.Civ.13.9-12 |
| Vermont | Decision Making, Influence and Change | Apply a range of deliberative and democratic strategies and procedures to make decisions and take action in their classrooms, schools, and out-of-school civic contexts. | State Standard | D4.8.9-12 |
| Virginia | Electoral Process/Procedure | The student will apply history and social science skills to explain the rights and responsibilities of United States citizenship by participating in the political process and voting in local, state, and national elections | State Standard | GOVT.5d |
| Virginia | Civic Action | The student will apply history and social science skills to explain the rights and responsibilities of United States citizenship by performing public service | State Standard | GOVT.5e |
| Virginia | Voter Trends | The student will apply history and social science skills to explain the process of local, state, and national elections by evaluating challenges of the election process, including redistricting and gerrymandering. | State Standard | GOVT.6.f |
| Virginia | Form distribution, Opportunity to register | Public high schools shall provide students who are old enough to vote an opportunity to complete an application during the normal course of the school day, including through online registration or paper forms. | State Statute | Va. Code § 22.1-203.4 |
| Washington | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens, Decision Making, Influence and Change | Analyze and evaluate ways of influencing local, state, and national governments and international organizations to establish or preserve individual rights and/or promote the common good. | State Standard | C4.11-12.2 |
| Washington | Civic Action | Apply a range of deliberative and democratic strategies and procedures to make decisions and take action in their classrooms, school, or out-of-school civic context. | State Standard | SSS3.9-12.2 |
| Washington | Special days | January 16 is Temperance and Good Citizenship Day. Social studies teachers must, as resources allow, coordinate a voter registration event for high school seniors and make voter sign up and registration available to all students. | State Statute | RCW § 28A.230.150 |
| Washington | Opportunity to register | All students who will be eighteen years of age or older by the time of the next general election will be given the opportunity to register to vote online in the classroom. Students who do not possess a state identicard or driver's license must be provided a paper registration form. | State Statute | RCW § 28A.230.150 |
| Washington | Form distribution | The superintendent of public instruction, in consultation with the secretary of state, must update and distribute youth voter registration materials annually, by December 1st, for eligible students to register to vote at school. | State Statute | RCW § 28A.230.150 |
| West Virginia | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens | Define the duties of citizens that are necessary to preserve US democracy (e.g., become informed and active in a democracy-through jury duty, paying taxes, public forums (local, state, and/or federal), voting and conscription.). | State Standard | SS.US.2 |
| West Virginia | Civic Action | Examine, select, and participate in a volunteer service or project. | State Standard | SS.US.4 |
| West Virginia | Voter Trends, Civic Action | Consider factors that subvert liberty (including lack of education, voter apathy, disenfranchisement, civil inequalities, economic issues, loss of public trust, and misuse of government power), then collaborate, compromise, and by consensus, create a model that informed citizens can use to defend and perpetuate the American Republic. | State Standard | SS.C.4 |
| Wisconsin | Electoral Process/Procedure, Voter Registration (Explicit) | Demonstrate the skills necessary to participate in the election process (i.e., registering to vote, identifying and evaluating candidates and issues, and casting a ballot). | State Standard | SS.PS2.b.h |
| Wisconsin | Decision Making, Influence and Change, Civic Action | Create and evaluate solutions to increase voter participation. | State Standard | SS.PS3.a.h |
| Wyoming | Rights and Responsibilities of US Citizens, Decision Making, Influence and Change | Explain and/or demonstrate how to participate in the political process and form personal opinions (i.e., tribal, local, state, and national elections). | State Standard | SS12.1.2 |
The table above lists and summarizes state statutes imposing requirements for high school voter registration. The laws are different in terms of scope and focus. At bottom, however, they all relate to the who, when, what, and how of getting the job done.
Our guide omits the following: (1) laws that are permissive, as opposed to laws that are phrased as affirmative requirements; (2) a comprehensive list of administrative regulations (we’ve included a few, however, that seemed especially significant); (3) social studies frameworks and standards and curricular materials and programs; (4) local or school district level laws and policies; (5) implementation and budget information regarding how states are doing at meeting or funding these requirements; (6) provisions about topics other than high school voter registration such as poll worker programs, voting in primaries and special elections at age 17 for those who will be 18 by the general election, and efforts to lower the voting age generally; (7) contests, challenges, and guidance materials, other than express statutory requirements to create them; and (8) laws focused on colleges and universities.
We also have not included details about federal law. Although the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to vote beginning at age 18, there is no federal statute expressly requiring high schools to assist all eligible students with voter registration. The National Motor Voter Registration Act requires all states subject to its provisions to designate as a voter registration agency any “office … that provides either public assistance or state-funded programs primarily engaged in providing services to persons with disabilities.” Offices in school districts and schools that meet these descriptions may be required to offer voter registration services. Details about federal law and voters with disabilities can be found here. States subject to the NVRA are also required to designate additional agencies as voter registration agencies, and public schools and libraries are expressly included among the options. See 52 U.S. Code § 20506(a)(3)(B)(i).
We also have not undertaken to draft a model law of high school voter registration. To be successful, such an effort would require convening state partners and a range of experts, so that such a model law would have maximum support and generate maximum impact. The list below, is a starting point, however, for illustrating some of the most important elements. We believe these include robust and detailed assignments of responsibilities, a focus on student leadership, methods for monitoring and tracking, specificity as to planning and timing, and overall integration into the civic mission of the school.
In all cases, our guidance is intended for background only, and is not legal advice. If you have questions about how these laws apply in particular circumstances, we encourage you to contact your state or local election officials or education agencies, or to seek the advice of an attorney.
If you believe the information below is helpful, please help us expand and cover some of these omitted areas.
Last updated on Aug 19th, 2026.
