Engaging the Next Generation on National Voter Registration Day
National Voter Registration Day, celebrated on September 17, serves as a reminder of the importance of civic engagement, especially among younger populations. Within the Robbinsdale Area Schools, local initiatives focused on inspiring the next generation of voters were evident, particularly at Armstrong and Cooper High Schools. Volunteers enthusiastically gathered in school cafeterias, utilizing interactive booths adorned with eye-catching stickers and enticing treats to capture students’ interest.
Nancy Intermill, the voter services chair for the League of Women Voters of Crystal-New Hope-East Plymouth-Robbinsdale, led the charge at Armstrong High School. Intermill and her team engaged with students, asking if they were registered to vote and informing those aged 16 and over about the opportunity for pre-registration. Students aged 18 and older were given the chance to register on site, creating a dynamic environment focused on fostering civic responsibility.
Intermill emphasized the importance of voter registration as a way to instill democratic values in young people. "If we have people that are registered to vote, they have it in their mindset. That’s democracy,” she stated. As students crowded around the League of Women Voters booth during lunch, it was clear that the effort to present voting as a pivotal aspect of their responsibilities was well-received.
Among the students was Ari White, a recent 18-year-old graduate looking forward to casting her vote for the first time. “I’m super excited,” Ari shared, highlighting her extensive research on candidates. She credited her parents for instilling in her the significance of voting and expressed a desire for her friends to join her in the democratic process. “Voting is a privilege and an awesome right we have here in America,” she noted, contrasting it with the struggles faced by those in countries without similar voting rights.
Robbinsdale Superintendent Teri Staloch visited the booth, expressing her enthusiasm for students’ engagement. “We want to empower them to be prepared so that they know their voice matters,” Staloch affirmed. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to ensure that every eligible voter, especially young individuals, understands the significance of participating in elections.
In addition to the booths at both high schools, the Robbinsdale district also took part in a live virtual event organized by the Minnesota Secretary of State, reaching students at Robbinsdale Academy-Highview and Robbinsdale Virtual Academy. This comprehensive approach to voter engagement ensures that students across various learning environments receive equal opportunities to learn about voting and registration.
Minnesota’s same-day registration process further facilitates participation, making it easier for residents to exercise their right to vote. For those seeking additional information about voting, registration, and polling locations, resources are readily available on the Secretary of State’s website.
The concerted effort between schools, local organizations, students, and educational leaders exemplifies the importance of empowering the next generation of voters. By engaging young people during pivotal moments like National Voter Registration Day, communities can cultivate informed citizens who are prepared to make their voices heard in the democratic process.
