Voting and Elections

According to a 2022 survey by CIRCLE, the Center for Information and Research on Civil Learning and Engagement,  “3 in 4 youth say they have the power to change the country, but just 2 in 5 say they feel well-qualified to participate in politics. Just under 1 in 4 cast a ballot.”  

While voting is just one type of civic engagement, it represents a crucial form of participation and is the avenue for youth to have their voices heard on issues that matter to them.   

The Wisconsin Civic Learning Coalition is committed to supporting Wisconsin youth in becoming regular voters.  

  • Providing students and teachers with high-quality resources about voter registration and election administration
  • Connecting teachers and schools to resources for school-based voter registration
  • Advocate for policies and practices that increase trust in our elections, remove barriers to voting, and increase students interest in voting, as well as their sense of political efficacy. 

Upcoming Conference:

September 21, 2024 at UW-Madison

Wisconsin Youth Voter Education and Registration

The Wisconsin Civic Learning Coalition is partnering with The Civic Health of Wisconsin Initiative, the League of Women Voters Wisconsin, and The Civics Center to support school-based voter education and registration across Wisconsin.

Election and Voter Registration Details

Next Election: November 5, 2024 (General Election)

Wisconsin Youth Registration Rules: In Wisconsin teens can register to vote if they will be 18 on or before the date of the next election. But 17 year-olds cannot register online, they must use a paper form. Wisconsin also has same-day registration, but to register at the polls you need proof of residence. A state issued photo ID can serve as both a proof of residence, and a photo ID to vote.

Take the High School Voter Registration Pledge

Commit to providing information and support for students registering and voting in their first election when they turn 18.  Individual teachers, schools, and districts are all welcome to take the pledge!  Join the movement and help Wisconsin support our young voters in one of their first acts of civic engagement.

Spotlight On Milwaukee Public Schools

The MPS School Board recently passed a resolution establishing a district wide voter registration program to be enacted in each of the high schools in the district.  Learn more about their plans here.   Contact us at wicivics@gmail.com to share the youth voter registration plans in your district.

Run a Drive in Your School

  • The Civics Center has all the resources you need to host a student-run, adult-supported voter registration drive in your school.  Check out their toolkit to support student-led voter registration drives.

Resources for Teaching about Elections

Resources Specific to Wisconsin Elections and Election Integrity
More Teaching Resources and Lesson Plans
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