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Release: #07-148
November 6, 2007

SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell and Secretary of State Debra Bowen today launched MyVote California, a youth civic engagement project that will feature a statewide mock election the week before California's February 5, 2008, Presidential Primary Election.

"Today, November 6, exactly one year before we elect the next President of the United States, we are inviting schools to help bring democracy alive for students by joining MyVote California," O'Connell said. "Our goal with MyVote is to promote in our schools and in our communities a greater level of participation by students in civic and government affairs."

"Too few Californians who are eligible to vote are actually registering and going to the polls," said Bowen. "To turn that around, I want to inspire people to participate in their democracy. Projects like MyVote California help high school students learn about the democratic process in a hands-on way, which hopefully will help them make voting a habit for years to come."

MyVote California is a civic engagement project designed to help young people discover the importance of elections and the power of their vote in a democratic society. The highlight will be a statewide student presidential primary election held on January 28-29. With engaging lesson plans and activities chosen by the California Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools, teachers will have the tools they need to help students become informed, engaged, and lifelong voters. Please visit California Secretary of State - Elections & Voter Information - Student Mock Election [www.sos.ca.gov/elections/studentmockelection.htm] (Outside Source) for more information about MyVote California.