Growing Sacramento’s Next Generation of Voters
Written using submissions by Marge Petzer and Brenda Main
Edited by Tommy Yap
This spring, LWVSC volunteers have been visiting high schools across Sacramento County to help students experience voting and register for the first time. In partnership with the County Registrar of Voters, the program will reach nearly 6,000 juniors and seniors at 14 schools by the end of April.
The response has been encouraging. At
Monterey Trail High School, about 1,500 students participated, and many registered or pre-registered while others brought forms home to discuss with their families. At
Hiram Johnson High School, volunteers, teachers, and Registrar staff worked together to help students complete registration forms after they voted in the mock election. At
Rio Americano High School, classes rotated through in short time blocks, and volunteers helped students fill out their forms or understand how to finish the process later. Across each campus, students are taking their first steps into the democratic process. With League volunteers on site, they have someone to answer questions and guide them through registration.
Research shows that young people who develop their voice in high school are almost twice as likely to say they are extremely likely to vote, and the League is helping more students get there.
On May 7, LWVSC will participate in the Big Day of Giving, a 24‑hour campaign for Sacramento-area nonprofits. Our goal is to raise $4,000 to support youth civic engagement, fund internships, reach more underrepresented communities, improve our communications, and provide trusted tools like the Easy Voter Guide in multiple languages.
Consider giving $18 for every new 18‑year‑old voter you want to see at the polls. The donation period opens April 23. Be sure to watch out for reminders!
Click here and donate $18 starting TOMORROW (Thursday, April 23).
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