Civic Engagement Policy | The Youth Power Project

YOUTH CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

WE HAVE A YOUTH CIVIC ENGAGEMENT CRISIS IN THE UNITED STATES

Despite historic voter turnout in the 2018 and 2020 elections, the reality remains that about half of 18-29 year-olds do not vote in elections. Due to a lack of focus on the ways that youth can interact with their democracy, there are few well-known opportunities for students to become involved in the democratic process.

THAT'S WHERE WE COME IN

The Youth Power Project empowers young people to be civic changemakers in their communities, state legislatures, and federal government.

Our Process

We take a unique three-pronged approach to youth civic engagement.

Policy

We write, pitch, and develop national coalitions for policies that increase youth civic engagement and education at the local, state, and federal levels.

Education

We use our extensive civic engagement experiences to educate non-profits, higher education institutions, and corporations on how to intentionally engage young people.

Technology

We connect emergent civic technologies with our wide audience of young leaders and allies, while working to expand youth engagement in responsible technology.

Interested in writing a bill? Leading your own campaign? Or even just learning more? As one of our organizers, you'll have access to countless resources to accomplish changes within your community and even get the chance to participate in our nationwide campaigns! We'll make sure to keep you updated with info and opportunities to fight for voting rights.

Check out our projects below!

Interested in getting involved?
Email alex@youthpowerproject.org for more information.

HB 2647 - Student School Board Trustees - Texas

Students are rarely consulted in conversations that affect them - especially at the local school district level. Despite students being the primary clients in education, they are excluded from the decision making process. We wrote a bill (HB 2647 by Rep. Carl Sherman) in the 88th Regular TX Legislative Session (Jan-May 2023) to give Texas school districts the option to create a non-voting student trustee position on their board of trustees.
25 states have a local option for student representation on their school board. These positions empower students to have a voice in the decisions that directly affect them and their peers and give students the opportunity to serve their district's student body in a tangible manner.

We look forward to re-filing this bill next session and getting it to the Governor's desk.

College Voter Information Bill - California

Students often lack the information and resources necessary to be an educated participant in our democracy. This bill requires city or county elections officials with a UC, CSU, or CCC in their jurisdiction to request those institutions to serve as polling places. It also makes new citizen and new resident application information specific to electoral deadlines visible on college campuses. Both additions work to break down the barrier that prevents the high quantity of first time voters on college campuses from accessing the polls.

We look forward to this bill being introduced next session!

Temporary Addresses Bill - California

One of the biggest challenges that comes with voting in college is that many students do not receive their mail-in ballot where they reside, as they are registered to vote at their parent or guardian's residence. This bill would require county election officials to mail ballots to temporary residential addresses if provided, even if it is out of the county of origin. This addition is critical to enable college students to vote from their permanent address while temporarily residing elsewhere.

We look forward to this bill being introduced next session!