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 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 registration across Wisconsin.
Voter Registration Details
Next Election: August 13, 2024 (PrimarY) or 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.
- Voter Registration flier (PDF with QR code)
- What’s on the ballot? Where do I vote? www.myvote.wi.gov
- Acceptable government issued photo ID or other approved ID needed to vote.
- Proof of residence for registration.
- High School Poll Worker information
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
- The Civics Center has all the resources you need to host a student-run, adult-supported voter registration drive in your school.
Resources for Teaching about Elections
- Wisconsin Elections Commission: Elections 101 videos and lesson plans
- Civics Renewal Network: Teaching about Voting and Elections
- Deliberation on Lowering the Voting Age (deliberation instructions, graphic organizer)
- NEA resources for teaching about elections and democracy
- More resources for teaching about elections
- 2022 UW Madison Teaching About the Elections Conference website