Dear County and District Superintendents, Charter School Administrators, and High School Principals:

High School Voter Education Weeks (April 14–25, 2025)

As educators, it is crucial to empower students to actively engage in our democratic process. Encouraging early involvement fosters lifelong civic participation. We invite your school district and campuses to take part in the 2025 High School Voter Education Weeks, April 14–25, 2025. These weeks aim to (1) raise civic awareness among young, prospective voters and (2) motivate eligible students 16 or 17 years of age to preregister to vote, ensuring automatic registration upon turning 18 years of age. Since the inception of the California preregistration program in September 2016, more than 1.3 million students have preregistered to vote, resulting in 1.1 million eligible voters.

The California Secretary of State Office offers resources and support, and county elections officials are available to partner with schools to facilitate participation in the democratic process.

Below are online resources and suggestions to assist your school in disseminating information to students and families.

Online Resources

• Youth Programs: See the California Secretary of State High School and Youth Initiatives web page at https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/high-school-programs for available resources.
• Poll Workers: Students can further engage by serving as poll workers during elections. Senate Bill 955 (Chapter 921, Statutes of 2022) allows California students in grades six through twelve to receive one excused absence annually to participate in a civic or political event, with prior notification to the school. More information is available on the California Secretary of State website at https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/high-school-programs#pollworker.
• Voter Registration: Encourage eligible students to register or preregister at https://registertovote.ca.gov. Consider sharing this link in communications with parents and on the district and school websites.

Active participation is fundamental to civic engagement. Together, we can prepare students to become informed and involved members of our democracy.

For questions about High School Voter Education Weeks or other civic engagement opportunities, please contact Jannell Jackson, Deputy Secretary of State, Outreach and Education, at SOSOutreach@sos.ca.gov or 916-584-3538, or the California Department of Education High School Innovations and Initiatives Office at 916-319-0893 or HSIIO@cde.ca.gov.

Sincerely,

Tony Thurmond
State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D.
California Secretary of State