WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Students travel to Olympia in support of Youth Voting Act

 Legislative Support Services

Students were joined by social studies teacher John Hines of Todd Beamer High School as they traveled to Olympia to testify in favor of the Youth Voting Act (House Bill 1294).

That proposed law would make it easier for students to register to vote by including them in the Motor Voter program when they get their first driver’s license, making them automatically registered to vote when they turn 18.

The legislation has both Republican and Democratic support and had its first hearing in committee. Students pictured here were among those testifying for the legislation. Hines is also president of the Washington State Council for the Social Studies, which has endorsed the idea.

And at the of the day, three of the students were able to register to vote at the Secretary of State’s office.

Here’s what one student had to say by email:

Dear Mr. Bergquist,

Good morning! My name is Lily and I am one of the students Mr. Hines brought to Olympia yesterday. Thank you so much for giving my classmates and me a tour of Olympia yesterday! We appreciate the time you took out of your day to answer our questions and tell us about our state government! The highlight of the day was listening to people argue in support of or against the bills. Every speaker seem to have a new perspective! However, I am glad to see that your bill was meet with such a positive response. I hope it passes the House and hopefully the Senate soon!

Sincerely,

Lily Do