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AP20:083
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2020
CONTACT:
SOS Press Office
(916) 653-6575
Secretary of State Alex Padilla Invites California Schools to Participate in the 2020 Student Mock Election
SACRAMENTO, CA – In an effort to encourage students to become active voters as soon as they are old enough to cast a ballot, Secretary of State Alex Padilla and Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond invite high school and middle school students, teachers and principals to participate in the California Student Mock Election, which will take place on October 6, 2020. Students will cast their ballots for presidential candidates and statewide ballot measures that will appear on the actual ballot this November.
"I invite all educators throughout California to participate in the student mock election and expose a new generation to civic engagement," Secretary of State Alex Padilla said. "The earlier we can involve young people in democracy, the more likely they are to continue participating. The student mock election provides a valuable opportunity for students to learn how government functions and how it can impact their lives."
To register for the 2020 Student Mock Election and view digital resources, visit our web page here.
Digital resources include Student Voter Information Guides, ballots, posters, “I Voted” sticker templates, and other materials. In addition, the 2020 California Student Mock Election web page contains a collection of standards-based lesson plans designed to engage students and share ideas that other schools have used as part of their California Student Mock Election activities.
Schools that register by September 16, 2020 and would like to receive a supply kit in the mail, may request one by emailing MyVote@sos.ca.gov.
If you have any questions about the 2020 California Student Mock Election or other civic engagement opportunities, please contact the Student Mock Election Team at 916-651-3070 or MyVote@sos.ca.gov.
Pre-Register to Vote
In California, 16- and 17-year olds may pre-register to vote at RegisterToVote.ca.gov. By pre-registering, California youth will have their voter registration become active automatically when they turn 18.
Pre-registration does not change the voting age, which is still 18. Instead, it allows eligible Californians ages 16 or 17 to complete the online voter registration form, so that they will be automatically registered to vote as soon as they turn 18.
Online pre-registration is available to California youth who are 16 or 17 and meet the following criteria:
- A United States citizen;
- A resident of California;
- Not currently imprisoned or on parole for the conviction of a felony; and
- Not prohibited from voting by a court because of mental incompetency.
16- and 17-year-olds who do not have a signature on file with the DMV, through a driver license or state ID card, will need to complete the pre-registration process by printing a paper form and mailing it to their county elections office. Applicants will be sent confirmation when their voter pre-registration application is processed, or they will be contacted if more information is needed to confirm their eligibility.
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