The Board of Education believes that getting young people involved in the election process helps to secure the future of democracy by preparing young people to be educated, engaged voters who have formed the habit of voting and contributing to civic life early.
In an effort to promote student voter registration, the Board directs the Superintendent or designee to offer all students who are at least 16 years old (but will not be 18 years old by the next election) the opportunity to pre-register to vote. Students who are or will be at least 18 years old by the next election will also be offered the opportunity to register to vote. These students must be otherwise qualified to register to vote. Students pre-registering to vote will be automatically registered upon reaching the age of eligibility following verification of the person’s qualifications and address.
Students who do not wish to register or pre-register to vote do not have to do so. There will be no penalty (including participation grades or credits) for choosing not to do so.
The District will provide students with access to voter registration and pre-registration applications during the school year, and assistance with filing such applications. The District will inform students of the state requirements for voter registration and pre-registration. Students will receive information regarding voting registration within their social studies classes, which includes mainstreamed special education students. Life skills students will receive resources and support within their life skills class.
Ref: Election Law § 5-507
Adoption date: July 22, 2019
Revised: January 8, 2024