Santa Maria High School’s Close Up Washington DC Club, working in conjunction with the League of Women Voters (LWV), recently hosted the fourth annual Voter Registration Drive on campus during the Spring Fair.
Sixty-four voter registration papers were distributed, 24 students completed the registration either on paper or online at the event, with an additional 40 students completing the paperwork at home.
“As a history teacher, I am deeply aware of the long and hard-fought struggle for voting rights in our nation, which fuels my passion for ensuring that every citizen’s voice is heard” said Amy Hennings, club advisor.
“I could not be prouder of my students and their dedication to making this annual voter registration drive a reality and inspiring their peers to register and participate in the democratic process.” she said.
Club members were trained on voter registration by the LWV the week prior, and members helped with preparing the booth, helping students register, creating and administering a political opinion poll, and making the day a success.
“I really enjoyed partaking in the voter registration drive and helping others in making their voices heard” said Maremy Marcial, a sophomore club member.
“It was wonderful to see so many students eager to have their voice heard and their genuine interest reminded me of how important it is for young people to be active in their community” said Martha Gonzalez, a junior club member.
“Beyond registering voters, the club focused on helping improve enthusiasm of our youth to make their voice heard and speak out about issues facing our community and nation,” school officials said.
The club booth included a political interest poll and social activist “selfie” photo-frames. Hundreds of students participated in taking photos with political-action-themed photo frames, and 125 students took the opinion poll.
Poll results showed the three issues of greatest concern for students were: Healthcare costs and access to healthcare (76.8%); the economy and inflation (76%); and immigration and border security (73.6%), with climate change and the environment coming in as the fourth greatest concern (45.6%).
Students were also asked where they stood on the U.S. decision to take military action in Iran, with 83.2% saying they completely disapproved or somewhat disapproved.
Asked to rate their approval of President Trump’s handling of the presidency this past year, student results showed 92.8% either strongly disapproved or somewhat disapproved.
The Close Up Washington DC Club has been on the SMHS campus since 1999 and is dedicated to helping promote civic engagement.
A number of the students who helped lead the registration drive took part in the week-long civic education program through the Close Up Foundation in early March and were inspired to bring back the message of civic engagement to their peers.