DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of State celebrated Iowa High School Voter Registration Day on February 11 and recognized Governor Kim Reynolds for her support of youth voter registration initiatives with an official proclamation signing. Students throughout Iowa participated in voter education initiatives as part of High School Voter Registration Day, focusing on voter registration, civic education, and preparation for future participation in Iowa elections. Iowa law requires high schools to conduct two voter registration drives every school year.

Iowa already boasts strong youth voter registration and participation rates, thanks to the Iowa law that allows 17-year-olds to register to vote and participate in Primary Elections if they turn 18 prior to or on the day of the General Election.

In 2024 schools reported that nearly 16,000 high school students were registered to vote as part of the Carrie Chapman Catt Award program. The award goes to schools that register at least 90 percent of their eligible students to vote. More than 2,600 high school students registered this year in conjunction with the Catt Award initiative.

"When young Iowans understand their role in our democracy, they become lifelong voters," said Secretary Pate. "I am proud to see growing numbers of 17- and 18-year-olds who are registered to vote. Iowans get it. By helping students register and learn about our elections process while they're still in high school, we're not just preparing them for their first election – we're building the foundation for generations of civic participation."

As part of efforts to encourage Iowa’s youth to register to vote and participate in the elections process, Secretary Pate launched the Carrie Chapman Catt Award program in 2019 to encourage voter registration in Iowa high schools. The award is named after Carrie Chapman Catt, a famous Iowa native who was instrumental in securing passage of the 19th Amendment, granting women access to the ballot box more than 100 years ago.

A photo of the Carrie Chapman Catt Award trophy is available for your use.

A soundbite from Secretary Pate is available for your use.

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