In San Antonio, Texas, Noah Lipman, a teacher at Highlands High School, is turning the 2024 presidential election into a valuable learning experience for his AP Government and Politics class. Lipman encourages his students to predict election outcomes while emphasizing the importance of understanding civic responsibility and the complexities of political compromise [a14389e7].
As part of this initiative, students will gather at a local pizza place to watch the election results, fostering a sense of community and engagement among first-time voters [a14389e7]. This approach aligns with broader efforts in California, where the state is launching 'High School Voter Education Week' from September 16 to 27, 2024, aimed at encouraging students aged 16 and 17 to pre-register to vote [e3ebc9fc].
The focus on youth voter education is crucial, especially as young voters under 30 are increasingly influential in shaping electoral outcomes. Mo'Kelly, in a recent podcast, highlighted the need for civics education to accompany voter registration efforts, ensuring that young voters are informed and prepared to participate in elections [e3ebc9fc].
Additionally, California's economy has been ranked as the fifth best in the United States, according to WalletHub, which may further motivate civic engagement among young voters [e3ebc9fc]. Lipman believes that informed students can contribute to civic solutions, reinforcing the importance of education in the democratic process [a14389e7].
On November 5, 2024, graduating JD Evening student Sascha Macias ’25 volunteered at a Valencia polling location, emphasizing the importance of understanding the election process and community service. Loyola Law School (LLS) did not hold classes on Election Day, a tradition started in 2018, to encourage student participation. Over 220 students volunteered at 29 vote centers and various nonprofits in Southern California, working from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Professor Justin Levitt highlighted the significance of this service for law students, providing practical experience in applying laws and regulations. Evening student Jorge Villanueva ’25 expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to democracy [a3f80207].