High School Voter Education Weeks to empower young voices

High School Voter Education Weeks will take place from Sept. 16 through Sept. 27 across the state to promote civic engagement among students.

Led by Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, the initiative encourages students aged 16 and 17 to pre-register to vote. This early registration allows them to be automatically registered when they turn 18.

Since the program’s inception in 2016, nearly 1.2 million students have pre-registered. Schools are invited to participate by hosting virtual events and engaging with county election officials for resources and support.

In collaboration with the state, the Orange County Registrar of Voters office is looking to hold virtual events with partnering high school campuses and districts, where interested students will learn about the registration and election process. Interested school and district administrators are encouraged to reach out to the office and fill out a short online form to request for speakers. 

If you have any questions about High School Voter Education Weeks or other civic engagement opportunities, contact Jannell Jackson, deputy secretary of state for Outreach and Education, at SosOutreach@sos.ca.gov or 916-584-3538, or the California Department of Education’s High School Innovations and Initiatives Office at 916-319-0893 or HSIIO@cde.ca.gov.

High School Voter Education Weeks