DES MOINES — Iowa’s Secretary of State is encouraging north-central Iowa high school students to register to vote on Tuesday as part of Iowa High School Voter Registration Day.
Paul Pate says voter education initiatives for high schoolers focus on their future participation in Iowa elections. “When young Iowans understand their role in our democracy, they become life-long voters. I’m proud to see growing numbers of 17 and 18-year-olds who are registered to vote.”
Pate says Iowa already boasts strong youth voter registration and participation rates, thanks to the Iowa law that allows 17-year-olds to register to vote and participate in primary elections if they turn 18 prior to or on the day of the general election. “Iowans get it. By helping students register and learn about our elections process while they are still in high school, we’re not just preparing them for their first election, we’re building the foundation for generations of civic participation.”
In 2024, schools reported that nearly 16,000 high school students were registered to vote as part of the Carrie Chapman Catt Award program, which goes to schools that register at least 90% of their eligible students to vote. Pate established the award in 2019 named after Catt, who grew up in Charles City and in 1885 became the first female superintendent of the Mason City Community School District, later being instrumental in securing passage of the 19th Amendment, granting women access to the ballot box.
