Tuesday was National Voter Registration Day, and one area group focused its efforts on the next generation. A few of those efforts took place in Robbinsdale Area Schools, with booths in the Cooper and Armstrong High School cafeterias. At Armstrong, Nancy Intermill and her fellow volunteers vied for students’ attention with a booth covered in stickers and treats.

As students stopped by, Intermill asked them if they’re registered to vote. If the students are 16 or older, they’re able to pre-register to vote. Those 18 and over can register on site, too.

“We need to let them know, you know. There’s opportunity for you if you pay attention to what’s going on here,” Intermill said.

Intermill is the voter services chair of the League of Women Voters of Crystal-New Hope-East Plymouth-Robbinsdale. It’s a nonpartisan group that works to bring more people to the polls.

“If we have people that are registered to vote, they have it in their mindset. That’s democracy,” Intermill said.

Here at Armstrong is the next generation of voters. Ari White, who just turned 18, is one of them.

“I’m super excited. I definitely have been doing a lot of research on both of our candidates,” Ari said.

She said her parents taught her the importance of voting. Ari hopes her friends also register to vote.

“Voting is a privilege and an awesome right we that we have here in America,” Ari said. “Outside of America, you know, people don’t get the opportunity to have a say in what happens to them and what happens to their communities and their country and stuff like that.”

Robbinsdale Superintendent Teri Staloch stopped by to see the action, too. She said watching the students respond to the booth is exciting.

“We want to empower them to be prepared, so that they know their voice matters,” Staloch said.

The district also participated in the Minnesota Secretary of State’s live virtual event. Students who attend Robbinsdale Academy-Highview and Robbinsdale Virtual Academy could attend.

Voter Registration: Empowering the Next Generation

The event at Armstrong High School highlights a growing trend of encouraging youth participation in the political process. This effort to engage young people in voting is crucial for ensuring a healthy democracy. Experts emphasize that voter registration is only the first step; understanding the issues, researching candidates, and forming informed opinions are essential for meaningful civic engagement.

The Importance of Youth Voting

The voices of young people are often underrepresented in the political arena. Studies show that young voters tend to lean towards progressive policies, advocating for issues like climate change, social justice, and educational reform. The increasing turnout of young voters could potentially shift the political landscape, influencing policy decisions and ultimately shaping the future of our nation.

The Role of Schools in Civic Engagement

The efforts of Robbinsdale Area Schools in promoting voter registration demonstrate the importance of schools in fostering civic engagement among students. Schools can play a vital role in educating students about the electoral process, encouraging them to register to vote, and providing resources to help them make informed voting decisions. By creating a culture of civic engagement within schools, educators can empower the next generation of voters to actively participate in shaping their communities and the nation.

Engaging Students in Democracy

The booth at Armstrong High School served as a reminder that voting is not just a right; it’s a responsibility. By encouraging students to register to vote and providing them with the information and resources they need to engage in the democratic process, organizations like the League of Women Voters can empower the next generation to be informed and active citizens. As Ari White stated, “Voting is a privilege and an awesome right we that we have here in America.”

A New Era of Civic Engagement

The efforts to engage young people in the electoral process are a positive sign for the future of democracy. As a new generation of voters steps up to exercise their right to vote, we can expect to see a renewed sense of civic engagement and a shift in the political landscape. It’s crucial to continue fostering a culture of civic engagement, empowering young people to understand their role in democracy and to use their voices to shape the future.

Voters can also register same-day in Minnesota. For more information about voting, registration and your polling place, Minnesotans can look on the Secretary of State’s website.