PROVIDENCE, R.I. (May 2, 2008) – Students at six Rhode Island high schools will get a practical lesson in civics in May when the Secretary of State’s office visits as part of a statewide high school voter registration drive.
“Students who register to vote are more likely to become active and informed citizens of this state. Some of these young people will be our leaders of tomorrow. Now is the time to engage them,” said Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis.
Recent registration drives have proven successful. Mollis registered 379 new voters during visits to East Providence High School and Mt. Hope High School in April.
May’s drive kicks off at Burrillville High School on May 5. That stop will be followed by visits to North Providence High School on May 7, Chariho Regional High School on May 14, North Smithfield High School on May 14, Ponagansett High School on May 21 and Warwick Veterans High School the week of May 26.
The voter registration initiative is a partnership with the state Board of Elections, school administrators and municipal officials. The Secretary of State plans to visit every Rhode Island high school leading up to the 2008 elections.
“I am grateful to our partners for their commitment to this important initiative. Our success will pay dividends for decades to come as these youngsters exercise their right to vote election after election,” said Mollis.
In order to register, students must be age 18 on or before Election Day 2008, U.S. citizens, residents of Rhode Island and have a valid social security number or Rhode Island driver’s license.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only 57 percent of eligible 18-to-24-year-olds were registered to vote on Election Day 2004. Just 47 percent actually voted in that election.
“An informed electorate is the keystone of democracy. I hope our high school visits produce a new generation of voters and citizens committed to making their voices heard,” Mollis said.
Students who miss the Secretary of State's visit to their campus are still in luck. The office posts voter registration forms and answers to frequently asked questions on its website.
The Secretary of State’s office prepares the ballots for all federal, state and municipal elections held in Rhode Island. In addition, the office maintains the state’s central voter registration system and distributes handbooks that explain how to run for office, how to register to vote and how to vote.
“My goal is to make it easier for people to vote and to make government more open and accessible to everyday Rhode Islanders. The more that people are invested in their government, the better it will serve them,” said Mollis.
Secretary of State Mollis is committed to making it easier to vote, helping businesses grow and making government more open and accessible. For more information about the programs and services the Secretary of State offers Rhode Islanders, visit www.sec.state.ri.us.