Overview

High School Voter Education Weeks are set to take place across California from April 13 through April 24. This initiative aims to engage students in civic learning and encourage them to preregister to vote, thereby fostering a culture of participation in the electoral process.

Led by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, the program targets students aged 16 and 17, allowing them to preregister so they can be automatically registered upon turning 18.

Key details

  • The event will run from April 13 to April 24.
  • Students aged 16 and 17 are encouraged to preregister to vote.
  • Preregistration enables automatic registration upon reaching 18 years of age.
  • Since its inception in 2016, nearly 1.5 million students have preregistered in California.
  • This initiative has resulted in over 1.1 million eligible voters.
  • Schools are encouraged to host civic learning activities and voter registration drives.
  • Partnerships with local county elections officials are encouraged.
  • Resources for schools include toolkits and classroom materials available on the California Secretary of State’s website.
  • Students can also explore opportunities to serve as poll workers.
  • Senate Bill 955 allows students in grades six through 12 one excused absence per year for civic or political events with prior notice.
  • Eligible students can preregister or register at registertovote.ca.gov.
  • The 2026 California Student Mock Election is scheduled for October 6, providing a practical learning experience about elections.

Context

This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote civic engagement among young people in California, encouraging them to take an active role in democracy and understand the electoral process.

What happens next

As the event approaches, schools and districts are encouraged to disseminate information about the preregistration process and available resources to their students and communities.

What we don't know yet

Details regarding specific activities planned by individual schools during High School Voter Education Weeks are not confirmed.