Voting Rights and the Youth Vote

GRADE LEVEL: High School

Overview

During every election cycle, the “youth vote” captures the attention of pollsters, political reporters, those running for office, and young adults themselves. In 1971, the voting age was lowered from 21 to 18 years old. The following year, in 1972, 52% of young people between the ages of 18 and 21 voted in the Presidential election, representing the highest percentage ever for that age group. After that year, the youth vote dropped significantly but has since increased in recent years. Because high school students are close to voting age, it is important to encourage them to reflect on the importance of voting and the challenges many face in exercising their right to vote. 

In this activity, students will: 

• Reflect on voting and the barriers and bias in voting and elections.
• Create a schoolwide real or “mock” election.