Date: May 1994

Grade Level(s): 11, 12

Subject(s):

• Social Studies/US Government

One major theme that rings true is that voting is a privilege; however, this privilege is not possible without voter registration. one appropriate quote for lack of registration is, "The world is run by people who show up." So true in reference to voting and registration. Dan Jones a noted professor from the University of Utah discusses the poor registration habits of most Americans and the very low voter turn out of young people between the ages of 18 - 24. The activity that I use in my classroom is to teach the importance of voter registration. The privilege of voting is not possible without the responsibility of voter registration.

The extracurricular activity that I use in my classroom is to empower my students by teaching them the method of voter registration and by having them actively register all 18 year olds and 17 year olds that will be 18 within the voting year. In order to do this activity I contact the County Clerk, she comes out on a selected day and with the help of my students we complete the process. Parents are delighted that their students are now ready to play an important role in the political process.

It is important that students are taught about voter registration.

What are Qualification for Registration:

1. Must be a U.S. citizen
2. 18 years of age
3. Member of District for 30 days (varies from state to state)
4. Students may register non-partisan (varies from state to state)

What are Four Methods of Registration:

1. Mail-in (forms can be obtained for Post Office Library)
2. Registration Agents (often a neighbor)
3. Registration by organization (work, club, etc.)
4. Go to county clerk's office

Why Should a Person Register:

1. Can't vote or participate in issues of great importance
2. Give each American power to participate in the political process

What Happens If You Don't Register:

1. A person can't participate in the political process
2. If a person misses and election they must register again in some states, or in the case of moving to a new area they must register, in Utah the books are purged every four years so voting becomes a must if a person doesn't want to register often

Students in the classroom will be asked to help prepare the student body for voter registration by making posters and working through rosters to determine who has voted and who has not.