High School Voter Education weeks now through September 29

For the next two weeks, the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters will be working with educators to help high school students understand their right to vote, how to do it, and the importance of civic engagement. High School Voter Education Weeks, going on now through September 29, is designated by the state to help inform students on how to become active and engaged participants in democracy.

“The purpose of High School Voter Education Weeks is to bring awareness to our young and future voters and set them on the pathway for continued civic engagement,” said San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters Stephenie Shea. “In addition to pre-registering or registering to vote, we offer a Student Poll Worker program that allows teens to be civically engaged in the communities where they live, learn or work, by being out in the field on Election Day.”

Students sixteen or older can either pre-register or register to vote. If students pre-register to vote, they will automatically become registered voters when they turn 18. Students interested in the Student Poll Worker program must be a student at least 16 years of age and in good academic standing, read and write English, and able to work on Election Day.

The state of California recognizes the importance of students participating in their local elections, so eligible students are allowed to have one excused absence per year to participate in a civic or political event, provided that the student notifies the school ahead of the absence.

For more information about High School Voter Education Weeks or the Student Poll Worker program, visit SBCountyElections.com.