Inspiring a New Generation of Young Voters

Young people have the potential to be a force in elections, but only if they get involved and make voting a habit.

To encourage students to be active voters once they are old enough to cast a ballot, Secretary of State Debra Bowen and Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell are inviting high school students, teachers and principals to join MyVote California, their statewide youth civic engagement project.

MyVote California, working with the California Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools, will tap into the excitement of the 2008 presidential primary election to offer high school students a chance to learn about the candidates and issues, and gain firsthand lessons on the power of voting and how government and politics affect every part of their lives. Students will vote for their choice in a mock election to be held on January 28-29, one week before California’s Presidential Primary Election.

For Principals: REGISTER YOUR SCHOOL. You will need to designate a campus election coordinator to serve as the school’s main contact for the project and to report your school’s presidential primary election results. We hope the MyVote California Fact Sheet will help answer questions that teachers and others may have about the high school mock election.

For Teachers: Democracy Central - A Teacher's Guide for the 2008 Election features standards-based lesson plans and suggested activities selected by the California Campaign to the Civic Mission of Schools to help stir student interest in elections, candidates and political campaigns. It includes useful online resources that will help students participate in a cornerstone of our democracy.

For Students: Get your high school to join MyVote California and show you want to be a force in elections. Consider opportunities to learn and earn working as a student poll worker during California's February 5, June 3, and November 4, 2008, elections. As a student poll worker you may be eligible for stipends ranging from $60 to $150, depending where you live. To sign up and learn more, contact your county elections office.

If you have questions, please contact the MyVote California Team at myvote@sos.ca.gov or (916) 651-3070.

List of Participating Schools (As of January 30, 2008)

Total participating schools: 450

Total participating students: 241,165

Total participating California Counties: 54