KIPP NYC College Prep High School’s Get-Out-the-Vote Campaign Empowers Young People to Exercise Their Right to Vote
A Six-Week Campaign Makes a Difference
A six-week campaign at KIPP NYC College Prep High School in the South Bronx helped 60 high school seniors become first-time voters, just in time for this year’s all-important presidential election.
Voter Turnout in the Bronx: A Challenge
In a borough that already lags behind the rest of the city in voter turnout, young people are especially underrepresented. Bronx County ranks last in the state in the voter registration rate among 18-year-olds, according to research by The Civics Center, a nonprofit working to increase young adult voter participation. Just 18.6% of 18-year-old Bronx residents are registered to vote compared to 40% of 18-year-olds across the state.
Schools like KIPP are Devoting Time and Energy to Turning Those Statistics Around
Schools like KIPP are devoting time and energy to turning those statistics around. The school began its campaign on September 17, which is National Voter Registration Day, and culminated at the start of the early voting period, said Davon Harris, who coordinated the effort.
A Celebration of First-Time Voters
On Election Day, the school held a celebration, complete with catered food from Chick-Fil-A, to recognize those who reached what Harris called a "milestone of adulthood." He and others worked to register not only students but also their families and other community members who came to school events. In the end, KIPP registered 60 youth and 220 others to vote for the first time.
Harris’ Vision for the Future
Harris hopes the excitement among this year’s new voters will trickle down to younger students and others throughout the school and community. "I think this campaign has been like a catalyst of change in their lives," said Harris.
Personal Stories of First-Time Voters
Shaylee Rochez, who turned 18 less than a month ago and voted on the morning of Election Day with her mom, said she was inspired to vote by her mom’s conflicted feelings. "I kind of influenced her to vote, so when she came with me today, I was very moved by that," Rochez said.
Jaden Faulk, who turned 18 in August, said he has long been excited to become old enough to have voting rights. "When you turn 18, you get access to a lot of new stuff," he said.
Conclusion
KIPP’s get-out-the-vote campaign has made a significant impact on the lives of its students and the wider community. By empowering young people to exercise their right to vote, the school is helping to bridge the gap in voter turnout in the Bronx. As these first-time voters look to the future, they are taking with them a newfound sense of civic responsibility and engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the goal of KIPP’s get-out-the-vote campaign?
A: The goal was to empower first-time voters and increase voter turnout in the Bronx.
Q: What was the outcome of the campaign?
A: The campaign resulted in 60 high school seniors and 220 others being registered to vote for the first time.
Q: What was the impact of the campaign on the school and community?
A: The campaign helped to bridge the gap in voter turnout in the Bronx and empowered young people to take an active role in the democratic process.
Q: What was the most significant challenge faced by the campaign?
A: The most significant challenge was overcoming the lack of voter registration and engagement among young people in the Bronx.
