Civic Stampede Storms Front-Range High Schools

Buescher prepares students for voter registration

Denver, September 8, 2009 – Today, Secretary of State Bernie Buescher spoke directly to high school students along the Front Range about voter registration and how to avoid potential pitfalls. He began his tour, called the Civic Stampede, Tuesday morning at an assembly of students at Castle View High School in Castle Rock and concluded at George Washington High School in Denver. In all, Buescher visited five local highs schools.

“This is an opportunity, not only to reach out to a traditionally underrepresented voting block, but to also educate these young people,” Buescher said. “In turn, we’re hoping these students will act as our voter registration experts in the field and on campus.”

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, fewer than 51% of people between the ages of 18 and 24 voted in last year’s election in Colorado, which is well below Colorado’s turnout of 68.4% of all citizens over 18.

During Buescher’s presentation to the students, he focused on voter registration timing and determining residency at college. For instance, students are allowed to register to vote before their 18th birthday, if it falls before Election Day. Because state law closes registration 29 days before an election, some 17-year olds with October birthdays would be ineligible to vote in November if they waited to register after their birthday. Also, as students move to college, Buescher encouraged them to be thoughtful about what they considered their primary residences for voter registration.

“Before every election, my office and the county clerks are inundated with questions and rumors related to voter registration, particularly from students,” Buescher said. “My goal is to get ahead of these issues and encourage young people to plan ahead before any election.”

In order to help in his outreach efforts to young people, Buescher referred students to his Twitter account and unveiled a new Facebook page aimed at driving people to GoVoteColorado.com, a web site maintained by the state’s Elections Division. For those students who may not turn 18 until next year, Buescher said not to worry.

“These students will be some of the first voters to have the opportunity to register safely and securely online using their driver’s license,” said Buescher. “There’s really a lot happening with elections right now making it much more convenient for the voter.”