Liberty HS is home to many motivated young adults. A group of these students came together this year with the intention of hosting a voter registration drive to register as many eligible Liberty students as possible.

The drive was held from April 9 to 13 and the students involved went from classroom to classroom, briefly explaining to juniors and seniors the basics of how the United States government and its voting process works. The program also included an explanation of the importance of voting, as well as the impact voting students can have on their own lives and futures. The sessions concluded with voter registration forms distributed and filled out by any eligible students who were interested.

This drive was intended to be nonpartisan and simply encourage young people to exercise their most basic right as a United States citizen. Young Democrats Club President Katja Magyarics and Vice President Vivek Adury took active roles in the event. Adury says,“I truly believe that everyone’s voice does matter. And if you have the privilege to vote, you should act upon it. I really enjoyed promoting active citizenry and explaining the basis of our government to many classes at Liberty. I’m also glad to be a part of a grander coalition.”

The students who organized the drive worked alongside two national organizations: 2018 New Voters and Inspire U.S. Both of these organizations are dedicated to encouraging active participation in politics, regardless of party allegiance, and voter participation from the youth in the United States.

2018 New Voters is working to ensure that the young adults in America who could not vote during the 2016 general election are heard in the 2020 election and all others in between. 2018 New Voters is partnering with Inspire US and directly with individual high schools to register voters. Inspire US is a nonpartisan entity that strives to increase voter participation among the younger generation of United States citizens. Because of this, adds Adury, “The success of Liberty’s voter registration drive is only a microcosm of the work being done by responsible, young adults across the country.” And that makes the success so much more exciting.

While it is still too early to know the scale of the success of this drive, everyone involved believes that even a single additional voter is worth it. Adury confirms by saying, “While organizing a voter registration drive at Liberty was an extremely stressful task, I’m extremely glad I did it.”

Liberty HS is excited and proud to have taken part in this nationwide movement. Whatever success Liberty achieved will be added to that of other high schools around the country.

Seeing young people around the country take responsibility and promote their civic duties is refreshing and timely. All the groups who have participated, are participating, and will participate in this effort are striving to increase the legitimacy of the United States’ democracy by becoming a nation where every voice is encouraged and heard. These efforts inspire hope and excitement for the next generation.