Southside High School AP Government students participated in the Youth Voter Fest at Palo Alto College. This was the second event hosted by “Youth Do Vote” and Heather Eichling. Students had the opportunity to meet city council members, and local non-partisan organizations and interact with a mock voting system. They were able to register to vote (if eligible) and learned the importance of civic engagement within their community. Special guests for the event included Rachel Sakai, District 4 Councilwoman Adriana Rocha-Garcia, District 6 Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda, and District 9 Councilman John Courage. SHS students were able to have one-on-one conversations with city council members about issues of importance within the community.
The Youth Voter and Poll Worker Vote Fest serves as one of the many extension learning opportunities the Southside HS social studies department has participated in to allow students the opportunity to directly interact with the institutions and individuals within their community. Students are encouraged to learn about voting, who represents them, working elections, meeting elected officials and local journalists, and much more. Aside from being super educational, the event also offers other fun activities such as live T-shirt silk-screening and free swag!
Sources: Southside ISD website & Youth Do Vote Facebook
Blog by: Michelle Martinez, Intern, The University of Texas at Austin
