There was a time when San Bernardino County teens had to wait until they were 18 to participate in the political process. Not anymore.
“Today, 16- and 17-year-olds can pre-register to vote and serve as student poll workers,” said San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters Stephenie Shea. “These are great ways to nurture the interest of young people who are eager to participate in voting.”
The California Education Code designates the last two full weeks in April and September as High School Voter Education Weeks. This provides an opportunity for high school students to learn more about the process of voting, find out how to be a student poll worker, get resources to host a student mock election on their campus, and learn how to organize voter registration drives on school campuses during this period.
Teachers who participate in High School Voter Education Weeks can speak to their students about the importance of voter pre-registration; have an opportunity to work together with the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters; and foster environments that create a desire among teens to be lifelong, civically engaged citizens. In addition, the California Secretary of State, Dr. Shirley N. Weber, offers Guidance for School Administrators and Teachers.
To learn more about the California Secretary of State’s youth programs, visit the California Secretary of State High School and Youth Initiatives at www.sos.ca.gov/elections/high-school-programs.