California State PTA supports the goal of fostering voting habits early, and that starts in our high schools. Our state’s official High School Voter Education Weeks, from September 15-26, provide the ideal opportunity for local PTA/PTSA units and their members to put that goal into action.
Did you know that high school students can pre-register to vote once they turn 16? Data from The Civics Center also shows that student-led voter registration drives can make a difference in youth voter turnout once kids turn 18.
If your unit or council is interested in helping students run their own voter registration drive, you’ll find helpful information here:
- This Ed100.org blog explains the importance of high school voter registration and the power of having student-run registration drives.
- The Civics Center provides advice, free training for students, and a wealth of incentives to help students run on-campus registration drives, including information they can share with school officials.
- The Secretary of State website provides helpful information and resources to support high school voter registration.
- The Civic Engagement page on the California State PTA website provides even more information and additional resources, including flyers that were part of the Summer Mailing.
The California Secretary of State (SOS) calls High School Voter Education Weeks an opportunity to “promote civic education and participation on campus and foster an environment that cultivates lifelong voters and active citizens.” That’s an opportunity California State PTA wholeheartedly supports!