By: Donovan W. Mann – [email protected]
Des Moines, IA – Iowa’s Secretary of State Paul Pate is encouraging Iowa High Schools to conduct voter registration drives at the end of March.
Announced through a release, the secretary wants schools all across the state to hold these drives on Tuesday, March 30th. This date coincides with the 50th anniversary of Iowa ratifying the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, lowering the voting age from 21 to 18.
Secretary Pate says it is “crucial for young people to learn that registering to vote and participating in elections is the best way to make sure your voice is heard.” His office is working with schools statewide to help them register eligible students.
Every school that registers at least 90 percent of their eligible students to vote receives the Carrie Chapman Catt Award. This award is named after the Iowan who played a vital role in securing access to the ballot box for women across the nation with the passage of the 19th Amendment.
Iowa law allows 17-year-olds to register to vote. There are almost 2,000 17-year-olds currently registered in Iowa. Partnering with Inspire2Vote, Secretary Pate’s Office helps schools organize and conduct voter registration drives.
The deadline for schools to qualify for this year’s Carrie Chapman Catt Award this year is April 16.