Print Version (PDF)

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES
September 15, 2017

MEDIA ADVISORY

Secretary of State Alex Padilla Kicks Off High School Voter Education Weeks at Franklin High School

LOS ANGELES – Secretary of State Alex Padilla kicks off High School Voter Education Weeks (September 18-29) with a visit to Franklin High School in Los Angeles. 

Secretary Padilla will discuss the importance of voting and the role young people can play in shaping the future through civic participation. Secretary Padilla, and the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder’s Office will help students register and pre-register to vote. 

Franklin High School is located in Assembly District 51. There will be a special primary election for Assembly District 51 on October 3, so students turning 18 on or before October 3 will have an opportunity to register and cast their first ballot this fall. 

Secretary Padilla recently announced a new back-to-school pre-registration toolkit. Eligible 16- and 17-year-olds can pre-register to vote, and have their voter registration automatically become active when they turn 18. The toolkit includes a new “Our Time is Now” PSA video urging 16- and 17- year olds to pre-register to vote as well as sample social media posts, downloadable posters, brochures, and useful links for school districts to share with students.  

The California Education Code designates the last two full weeks in April and September to be High School Voter Education Weeks. This provides an opportunity for high schools and their students to partner with elections officials to promote civic education and participation on campus and foster an environment that cultivates lifelong voters and active citizens. 

 Click here for resources and more information about High School Voter Education Weeks 

*Media wishing to attend should RSVP at sos.press@sos.ca.gov