The Freedom to Vote Act: what it can and can’t do for Gen Z
The 2023 Freedom to Vote Act (FTVA) is a landmark bill to strengthen our democracy. How can the FTVA help young voters? Here’s an overview.
The secret weapon we can all use to strengthen our democracy (and why it remains unappreciated)
I was speaking with a knowledgeable group of professionals who care about democracy, and I brought up what has become my obsession: “high school voter registration.” And then it started: the four phases of denial.
Research report: SPOTLIGHT ON NEW HAMPSHIRE
This is the second of three reports released by Civics Center on the registration and turnout statistics of New Hampshire's youngest voters.
Way to go, New York! But wait, there’s more…
S1733A seeks better implementation of high school voter registration and preregistration efforts. If signed, all school districts will need policies in place that require schools to help students register and preregister to vote.
New York: Real Progress Is Underway In Welcoming Young Voters
The NY state legislature has passed two bills which, if signed by Governor Hochul, will make voting more accessible for youth.
What every high school student and educator should know about Shelby County
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Shelby County v. Holder makes Shelby County a voting rights case that every high school student and educator should know.
Four Things I Love About David Pepper’s New Book, Saving Democracy (And One I’d Add)
Recently, a friend gave me a copy of David Pepper’s new book, Saving Democracy: A User’s Manual for Every American, and it’s one I hope all teens, parents and educators will embrace as a mantra for daily living.
Hey Moms & Dads: Democracy Needs You
I don’t have a megaphone, but if I did, I’d use it to send a special message to Moms, Dads, and teens: It’s a top priority for young people to have an equal voice in our democracy so they can shape the solutions for the challenges they face.
Welcome, Minnesota!
Minnesota is the latest state to allow young people to preregister to vote beginning at age 16. The new law will go into effect on June 1, and it brings to 17 the number of states that allow preregistration at age 16.
Reflections on 2024 for the 8 million US high school students who will turn 18 by the next Presidential election.
Top 5 election take-aways for high school students who care about strengthening democracy.
Hey Pennsylvania: Register to Vote.
In Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs, fewer than 20% of youth who will be 18-years-old on Election Day are registered to vote.
Uniting for youth and democracy, The Civics Center convenes more than 70 nonprofits to promote High School Voter Registration Week.
Approximately one million high school students will be old enough to vote in November if they are registered. Millions more live in states where they can preregister to vote as soon as they turn 16 or 17, providing additional opportunities for youth engagement. Virtually all Americans become eligible to register or preregister while they are still in high school. Yet most schools have no programs, curriculum, training, or events to actually help their students take this important step.
Guest Blog: The Federal Civics Secures Democracy Act Represents a Generational Investment in K-12 Civic Education and the Future of Our Constitutional Democracy
CSD is the first bipartisan initiative to support states and local school districts in offering the civic education needed to equip youth in the United States with the civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions to become informed and engaged members of society. This comprehensive piece of legislation responds to a crisis in civic education that has seen the subject neglected over the past 50 years.
Our bodies. Our votes.
When we read the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, taking away federal constitutional protection for abortion rights and signaling that further erosion of fundamental rights may be on the horizon, we thought about the 1.5 million Americans who are turning 18 between now and Election Day in November.