At First Place, we believe it’s important for our young people to build the skills that help them become successful individuals, and we believe that success includes feeling valued in and connected to their communities. Being educated and active voters is one way for our young people (and all people) to make their voices heard and create change in their communities.

Last week, our Los Angeles team held a voter registration drive and election information day in our Leimert Park office that resulted in 26 First Place Participants joining the ranks of California’s registered voters ahead of the October 22nd online/by-mail registration deadline.

Youth who had previously registered to vote also had the chance to verify that their registration was current and active or update it if necessary. Our Youth Interns, Stephanie and Liz, were on hand to walk their fellow program participants through the registration process and help them understand why voting is so important.

In addition to offering a chance to register, the day also gave our young people the opportunity to learn more about what’s on the ballot. After a debate on California’s Proposition 1 (Housing Projects bond), all in attendance said they were feeling more confident about knowing how they were going to be voting. And to help them made up their minds about the rest of the ballot, First Place staff members, Tyanna and Elana, created election guides with overview information about the offices, candidates, and issues.

Before they left, we encouraged young people to (anonymously) share their biggest motivation for voting. These motivational cards will remain posted in our office through election day to help keep all inspired.