Vermont Secretary of State - Press Releases by Deborah L. Markowitz

VERMONT SECRETARY OF STATE - Jim Condos

Divisions:

Burlington. Today at noon, Secretary of State Deb Markowitz kicked off Vermont’s 2008 college voter registration project at the University of Vermont’s Davis Center.

The Secretary of State joined members of the student-run Inter-Residence Association and UVM staff from several departments to explain to students their right to register and vote in Vermont. Markowitz said, “It makes me happy to be kicking off our new college voter project by registering new voters at my alma mater; after all, voting is a great way for college students to make sure their voices are heard.” In addition to distributing the office’s newly published College Voter Guide, Markowitz promoted the Secretary of State’s new website for college student voters.

According to Secretary Markowitz, college students are often confused about what the rules are that apply to them when it comes to registering and voting. She said, “The college voter project allows us to connect our newest voters to the information they need.” Markowitz continued, “This kick-off event is a fun and festive way to embrace the civic responsibility of voting.” Apples donated by Cold Hollow Cider Mill of Waterbury and t-shirts with the Secretary’s slogan, “Your Vote Is Your Voice” were handed out to students who came up to learn more about how to register and vote in Vermont.

The college voter project is designed to help students understand their rights and recognize the importance of participating in the political process. Markowitz added, “Registering to vote is the first step in supporting our next generation to become active participants in democracy.” College students can find more information about how to register and vote in Vermont at www.sec.state.vt.us/collegevoters.html.

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PRESS RELEASE

Contact Missy Shea 802-828-1296
Friday, October 31, 2008

Vermont Votes for Kids Kicks Off Statewide Student Mock Election

Secretary of State’s Office Helps Harwood Union with Student Mock Election

Duxbury. Today, Vermont Votes for Kids kicked off its 2008 student mock election program at Harwood Union Middle and High School. Civic Education and Voter Outreach staff from Vermont Secretary of State Deb Markowitz’s office joined school social studies teachers, led by Jean Berthiaume, in facilitating a voting process that closely mimics the real thing.

Markowitz said “We must teach our kids the value of voting at the earliest ages. By involving youth in the election process today we can secure the future of our democracy tomorrow.”

Vermont Votes for Kids is a civics curriculum and mock election program sponsored by the Secretary of State’s Office that is being used in schools all over Vermont. At Harwood, Mr. Berthiaume and his colleagues organized side-by-side mock and real voter registrations, so that those who will be 18 by the election can really vote. All students completed a voter registration form and took Vermont’s Voters Oath. Markowitz said, “We are pleased that many teachers across the state are doing more than just offering mock ballots to students. They have built lessons around candidate research, understanding the critical campaign issues at local, state, and federal levels, as well as a study of how elections work.”

“Harwood has done a fabulous job of prepping students for this mock election”, said Markowitz. “I'm really proud that our local schools are providing students with such great opportunities for civic learning and engagement.”

For more information and to access the Vermont Votes for Kids curriculum, please visit http://www.sec.state.vt.us/kids/

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