Youth Voter Movement

Students Empowering Students Through Voter Registration

A Project of:

About the Movement

The Youth Voter Movement is a nonpartisan effort to ensure youth have a voice in the future of this country by making sure they register to vote and then vote.

To do that, we host student-led registration drives at high schools, colleges, and other venues registering and pre-registering students (starting at age 16 in some states) to vote.

But, we don’t stop there!  We also help with “Get Out the Vote” efforts to ensure that young adults are not only registered to vote, but that they are showing up on Election Day to cast their ballot.

Student Leaders

Student organizers and adult volunteers work collaboratively with schools, organizations and events to coordinate voter registration drives that target high school and college students.

Paper and online registration drives occur during classes, lunch periods, school assemblies, school orientation days, school club days, marches, etc.

After students register, they are challenged to recruit other youth to register and/or to organize new registration drives, and are encouraged to vote in every election.

Student Organizers

Students Revolutionizing Our Democracy:

One Voter at a Time!

Adult Volunteers

During voter registration drives, adults support the Youth Voter Movement by volunteering at events as well as providing multimedia presentations, voting affidavits, and technical expertise on registration rules.

They also provide supplies and giveaways, such as wristbands and “I Registered” stickers.  Prior to drives, adult volunteers provide web resources, assistance with outreach, voter registration training, and help to connect student organizers with resources from the League of Women Voters.

Adult Volunteers

Adult Volunteers

During voter registration drives, adults support the Youth Voter Movement by volunteering at events as well as providing multimedia presentations, voting affidavits, and technical expertise on registration rules.

They also provide supplies and giveaways, such as wristbands and “I Registered” stickers.  Prior to drives, adult volunteers provide web resources, assistance with outreach, voter registration training, and help to connect student organizers with resources from the League of Women Voters.

Adult Volunteers

Youth Voters

At our registration events, teens and young adults are introduced to the history of and importance of voting.  Those who choose to register are walked through the process with adult volunteers who answer technical questions.  Youth who are already registered are encouraged to verify that their information online is accurate.  Everyone is challenged to help others register and to join their local League of Women Voters.

After registration, the “Get Out The Vote” campaign begins.  Students are reminded about upcoming candidate forums and elections.  Youth are also encouraged to create social events such as Flash Mob Voting (meeting at one location and marching to a post office with mail-in ballots) and election night watch parties.

Students Registered

What Inspires Student Leaders, Volunteers & Youth Voters?

Student Leader

I organized a registration drive at my school all by myself. It wasn’t the best time of the year due to AP testing but I was able to register 99 of my classmates.

I also volunteered at other schools’ registration drives.

I think we need to get a lot of young adults voting because then if politicians want to be re-elected, they will have to advocate for our views. —Michael

Adult Volunteer

With a father in public office for 34 years, I learned early about the importance of voting.

I have fond memories of my dad hoisting me up in the voting booth so I could pull down the lever with his name on it.

After the Parkland tragedy, I was so inspired by how the students passionately and intelligently articulated their views. They inspired me to get involved in registering these young adults to vote. —Julie

Youth Voter

I registered to vote because youth and women fought hard so people like me could vote.

I want to use that privilege to help make decisions that will make my country better for all.

After mailing in my first ballot, I felt like an adult and I was proud that I fulfilled a giant responsibility that makes a difference. —Anthea

Adult Volunteer

I joined my local League in 2018 and immediately started assisting with YVM high school voter registration drives.

I communicate event info to adult volunteers, schedule shift dates and time slots, and coordinate event supplies like official voter affidavits and “I Registered” stickers.

It’s been so rewarding to help new and future voters learn about voting rights, voter registration and the electoral process. —Andrea

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