We then went into the lunch room where a remarkable volunteer, Camille, walked fearlessly up to high school seniors and quizzed them on Virginia-specific voting information. The students were competitive and eager to demonstrate what they learned about where and how to vote in Virginia. At the same time, League volunteers were offering voter registration for eligible students while they ate their lunch and distributed information about our online voter-information guide, VOTE411.org.
The sooner we can start educating young people about our election and voting systems, the more empowered they will be to make their voices heard.
I’ve been a registered voter since I turned 18, but it wasn’t until I was 23 that I exercised my right to vote. I found the process intimidating. Shortly after turning 18, I went off to college in a different state. I remember my parents calling me to remind me to fill out an absentee ballot, but I was embarrassed that I did not know how, so I opted out. The sooner we can start educating young people about our election and voting systems, the more empowered they will be to make their voices heard.
I continue to be excited by the work carried out by League volunteers because we know it makes an incredible impact. You, too, can be part of these efforts by finding and joining your local League!