LaRose launches annual initiative aimed at helping high school seniors participate in elections
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced Wednesday the launch of the 2024 Grads Vote program, a civic engagement initiative designed to assist high school seniors with learning how to become active in Ohio’s election process. The initiative also encourages high school juniors and seniors to become Election Day poll workers as part of the Youth at the Booth program.
“These young people have earned one of the most cherished rights of a free society, the right to vote,” said Secretary LaRose. “This program helps them learn what that means and shows them how to participate as a voting citizen. I’ve been especially encouraged by the number of young people signing up to work at the polls on Election Day, and that’s a direct result of our recruitment efforts alongside the 88 county boards of elections.”
“The Ohio Association of Election Officials is proud to support Secretary LaRose’s Grads Vote Initiative,” said Aaron Ockerman, Executive Director of the Ohio Association of Election Officials. “Few things excite election officials more than seeing young people get engaged in our democracy. The Grads Vote Initiative is preparing tomorrow’s leaders of democracy today, and we look forward to working with Secretary LaRose to help ensure its success.”
Grads Vote Packets:
• In mid-April, Ohio schools received packets for graduating high school seniors with information on how to register to vote, a voter registration form and information on serving as an election day poll worker.
• High school types: public, nonpublic, community, STEM, JVS.
• Locations: 1,198 schools.
• Packets: 150,490 packets.
Additional Outreach:
Secretary LaRose and his office will begin visiting schools to talk with high school government classes about the Grads Vote program, the importance of civic duty, and the need for the next generation of poll workers.
This initiative adds to a long list of programs in place to ensure a successful 2024 general election. Last week, Secretary LaRose launched the Ready for November Initiative to ensure preparedness for the boards of elections.
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