PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
April 16, 2025 

California Secretary of State Partners with California Department of Education to Kick Off High School Voter Education Weeks 

Sacramento, Calif. – Monday marked the start of High School Voter Education Weeks (HSVEW) in California, which runs April 14-25, 2025. The biannual effort encourages high school students to actively engage in our democratic process through enriching educational opportunities.  

During HSVEW, high schools and their students partner with county election officials to promote civic education and participation on campus and foster an environment that cultivates lifelong voters and civically engaged citizens. 

High School students learn how to pre-register to vote, how to become a student election poll worker, host a Student Mock Election, and possibly organize voter registration drives on their campuses. Additionally, prospective, eligible voters 16 or 17 years of age are motivated to preregister to vote, ensuring automatic registration upon turning 18 years of age. 

Since the inception of the California preregistration program in September 2016, more than 1.3 million students have preregistered to vote, resulting in 1.1 million eligible voters. 

California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., in partnership with California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, issued a letter encouraging all California high schools to participate in HSVEW. Senator Sabrina Cervantes introduced SCR-48 High School Voter Education Weeks in recognition of the weeks. 

"High School Voter Education Weeks embodies the spirit of democracy by empowering our youth with the knowledge and tools necessary to engage in our electoral process," said California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., "Our goal is to inspire a new generation to understand the power of their vote and the impact they have on shaping their future." 

“As educators, it is crucial to empower students to actively engage in our democratic process. Encouraging early involvement fosters lifelong civic participation,” said California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. “I urge all students and educators to take part in High School Voter Education Weeks and celebrate the impact voting can have in shaping the future. Together, we can prepare students to become informed and involved members of our democracy.” 

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