Because every year, four million Americans turn 18 and become eligible to vote. In 16 states and DC, teens can start pre-registering at age 16, and in almost every other state, virtually every student will be old enough to register by the end of senior year. This makes high school is the best place to register.

Your numbers can make a real difference in the outcome of elections, especially local elections. But you can’t vote if you’re not registered. Young people who aren’t on the voter rolls are politically invisible to politicians and campaigns who have no way to reach them and learn what they care about. By running a drive you increase the number of teens who can vote and make their voices heard.

It’s easy. We’ll show you exactly what to do when you sign up here for a one-hour training. Then all you have to do is follow our step-by-step guide:

• Get Help - find a faculty advisor and some student volunteers

• Get Swag - gather all your materials

• Get the Word Out - promote your event

• Get Credit - tell us how it went

…and you’ve made a difference!

Now! Just kidding, but not really. There are two times of year that work the best. The first is in the fall during High School Voter Registration Week when eligible 18-year-olds can register and vote in November elections. The second is in the spring during Cap, Gown & Ballot season when your drive can give one last opportunity for any eligible seniors to register before they graduate. We recommend schools offer voter registration opportunities twice a year.

Age requirements vary by state. Check our State-by-State page to find your state’s requirement. Your Secretary of State’s website will have most of the other information you need. Come to a workshop and we’ll make sure you find the information you’re looking for.

Check to see if your school already has some on hand. If they don’t, reach out to your county elections office to order them. You can usually find your office by doing a quick internet search of “[Your state and county’s name] Elections.” In many states, you can simply print them from your Secretary of State’s website; come to a workshop to find out the details for your state.

To get a personalized online voter registration link, request the link and QR code along with other materials that will go in your Democracy in a Box when you sign up a drive with us.

We recommend having both an online voter registration link and paper voter registration application forms available during your drive. Most states require a DMV-issued ID in order to use the online voter registration application, so check your Secretary of State’s website to see what voter registration methods are available.

Your job is to help people exercise their right to vote, not tell them who or what to vote for. Nonpartisan means that you do not advocate for a political candidate or party and make sure your drive is open to anyone in your school who is eligible to register or pre-register to vote.

When you complete your Drive Sign Up Form, you tell us what you need and tell us where to send it. Your box includes both physical and digital resources: posters, fliers, clipboards, pens, stickers, buttons, candy, voter ID info cards, t-shirts and a custom QR code to your school’s own voter registration portal.

You’ll receive an email with the tracking information as soon as it ships. Make sure to order your box at least two weeks before your drive start date to make sure you have it on time.

If you’re running more than five drives, please contact TCC’s Director of Youth Programs, Molly Ford

Going through our program makes it easier for you. It won’t take much of your time, and you’ll get all of the training and resources you’ll need to get your classmates registered so they can vote in federal, state and local elections.

You can request a custom digital flyer for your school if you’d like an easy way to encourage your classmates to register. Or even better, invite them to a workshop to learn how to organize a voter registration drive in their own school.

Here are some template emails to help make the ask. If you have a teacher or administrator in mind already, just ask them and show them this website. Or ask your social studies teacher, guidance counselor, librarian or graduation coordinator. Assure them that The Civics Center is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization and we’ll help give you the materials and training that you need.

Yes please! We’ll give you ready made graphics to make it easy on you. Tag us @thecivicscenter!

The first step is to ask! Some people may not want to register and that is okay. Many others may have questions about voting. Come to a workshop and we’ll train you on how to answer some of those frequently asked questions.

For some students, it may be the first time they’ve been asked to register. They may not be ready just yet! You’ve still made a difference by inviting someone new into our democracy.

Make sure any paper voter registration applications are submitted to your county elections office, then complete your Post-Drive Report! Your report is critical. It’ll only take three minutes to complete and you can request your online registration report, community service certificates and more swag!