Starting in 2016, the Jefferson R-7 School District began giving students opportunities to register to vote as well as the option to leave campus for 30 minutes to vote on election days.
On any school day, community members can stop by the high school and primary schools to register to vote. Registration is also offered when families register to attend schools in the district.
The registration is done by staff who have been trained by the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office.
High school secretary Lori Holdinghausen promotes registration through emails and intercom announcements.
During the registration process, first-time voters can get help in reviewing a sample ballot.
A few teachers, including high school government teacher Patricia Baumgartner, tell students in class how to register and teach government basics.
Students are also encouraged to vote on Election Day, visit political rallies and volunteer at the election polls.
Jefferson High School principal David Haug said schools can play a vital role in preparing students to become contributing citizens.
“We have schools to educate. Our job isn’t just to prepare students for their future careers, but to protect our country’s democracy.”
St. Pius X encourages eligible students to vote by having open discussions in our politics, history, and social studies classes. Our teachers enjoy talking about current issues to make sure students are informed on the local, state and federal levels. Dialogue between students and teachers encourages voting at every opportunity.
Some teachers even offer to help students learn how to get registered to vote and access election ballots. “I appreciate the fact that our teachers take time out of class to walk through the registration process,” said senior Luke Swaller of Arnold.
The Hillsboro High School Library Media Center holds a voter registration drive two times each school year – one before the April election and another before the November election.
The latest one was held during the school day on Oct. 2. About 30 kids were registered. Half of them were 18 years old, and the other half were 17½.
After the registration event was held at the library, the new voter information was taken to the voter registration office at the Jefferson County Administration Building, where it was entered into the database.
To register to vote, you must have identification that includes your name and address. You also need your Social Security number.