If I had a 17-year-old, I’d see that they register to vote.
In Kansas, teenagers can register to vote now if they will be 18 by Election Day, Nov. 3.
It’s easy-peasy. Forms are available at the county clerk’s office or can be downloaded at the Kansas Secretary of State’s website.
Teens who register to vote overwhelmingly exercise that right. In the 2024 general election, 82 percent of those between 18 and 24 did so, according to The Civics Center, a nonprofit whose goal is to raise interest in American government among our youth.
In comparison, overall voter turnout was just shy of 64 percent. So, our youth put us to shame.
Every year, an estimated 4 million U.S. youth turn 18. Of those, only about one-third are registered to vote.
Think of that untapped power!
The same could be said for adults, where only about 70 percent are registered to vote.
Voting teaches our youth they can make a difference. It’s a powerful feeling that can transcend to getting involved in local affairs and working to see that office holders hear their voices.
Better yet, it may encourage them to be leaders. City Council member Jonathan Wells first ran for office in 2017 when he was only 30 years old.
Ever since, the native Oklahoman who teaches political science at Allen Community College, has taken a keen interest in seeing Iola takes the future by the horns by continuing to intermittently serve on the Council, including two terms as mayor, 2018-2022.
The classroom is the best place for teens to develop an understanding and appreciation for our country’s democracy and their role in keeping it alive.
In fact, 26 states have laws that require high schools help students register to vote, including they are designated as voter registration agencies.
In Iowa, public and private high schools must offer 17-year-old students the opportunity to register to vote twice a year in addition to providing instruction on voting statues and procedures, voter registration requirements, the use of paper ballots or machines, and how to cast an absentee ballot.
Kentucky’s State Board of education requires its high schools to implement programs for juniors and seniors on elections and voting procedures as well as have a designated person responsible for helping students register to vote.
Kentucky’s county clerks are also required to provide high school students voter registration forms each year.
