A Statista survey found that only 49% of Americans ages 18 to 24 were registered to vote in the 2022 midterm elections. That’s compared to nearly 78% of U.S. citizens ages 65 to 74.
Students at a Pleasanton high school are trying to change that trend. A recent meeting at Foothill High School was intended to show students how to register and pre-register to vote.
One by one, these students entered Foothill High gymnasium. They all have one thing in common.
“Each of them will be voting for the first time,” said Shivansh Bansal, a student at Foothill High. It was his idea to organize a voter registration meeting for his classmates.
“My passion comes from giving people a voice,” Bansal said.
And this meeting provided the tools necessary to have a voice. Trained and certified volunteers handed out voter registration forms and showed students how to fill them out. There was even a PowerPoint explaining the voting process.
“I think it’s important to vote because we are so young and I think it’s good that we can express our opinions at such a young age,” said 16-year-old student Ella Tian.
Bansal will not be able to vote in these elections, but his aim is to increase the number of votes among the youth.
“The only way to bridge the bipartisan divide is to have an educated population that is willing to work together. It’s the idea of bridging that gap to give everyone a voice,” he said.
Noah turns 18 just days before the presidential election. He says he’s going to vote.
“For me, being able to vote feels like a freedom and a right,” Noah said.
“If they are involved in civic engagement now as young 16 and 17 years old, they are more likely to remain voters for the rest of their lives,” said Julia Reyes of the League of Women Voters.
“I think this is a great way to get them excited, engaged and an active participant in our democracy,” said Patrick Gannon, coordinator of Pleasanton School District Communications and Community Engagement.
Bansal said the rally exceeded his expectations.
“It was surreal and an experience to see them there. There are many things we can improve on next time,” Bansal said. “This was a bit magical and I’m so excited. It’s remarkable that we were able to make this happen. All they have to do is click, click, send it back and they’re done.”
