Quick look: High School Voter Education Weeks will take place April 13 through April 24. The statewide initiative encourages students to learn about elections and preregister to vote, with resources available through the California Secretary of State and the California Department of Education.
High School Voter Education Weeks will be observed across California from April 13 through April 24 to promote civic learning and participation among students.
Led by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, the statewide initiative encourages students ages 16 and 17 to preregister to vote. Preregistration allows students to be automatically registered once they turn 18.
Since California launched its preregistration program in 2016, nearly 1.5 million students have preregistered to vote, resulting in more than 1.1 million eligible voters.
Schools are encouraged to support the effort by hosting civic learning activities, organizing voter registration or preregistration drives and partnering with local county elections officials. Resources, including toolkits and classroom materials, are available through the California Secretary of State’s High School and Youth Initiatives webpage.
Students may also explore opportunities to serve as poll workers. Under Senate Bill 955, students in grades six through 12 are allowed one excused absence per year to participate in a civic or political event with prior notice.
Eligible students can preregister or register to vote at registertovote.ca.gov. Schools and districts are encouraged to share this resource through newsletters, websites and other communication channels.
In addition to High School Voter Education Weeks, the state will host the 2026 California Student Mock Election on Oct. 6. The program offers students a hands-on opportunity to learn how elections work and compare results with peers across California. School registration opens April 13, with materials available through the Secretary of State’s Tools for Success webpage.
For questions or additional support, contact the Secretary of State’s Outreach and Education team at SOSOutreach@sos.ca.gov or 916-584-3538, or the California Department of Education’s High School Innovations and Initiatives Office at HSIIO@cde.ca.gov or 916-319-0893.