“Citizens in a democracy aren’t born, they are made.”

- Benjamin Franklin

Our Challenge

• In 2004, young people aged 18-24 voted at lower rates than any other age group.

• 42% vs. almost 60% of all eligible voters.

• In 2008, despite unprecedented enthusiasm and increased turnout, young voters 18-24 still did not break the 50% threshold. [CIRCLE]

Our Goals

• Engage students through self-interest and interaction.

• Show students the value of their vote through tactile experience.

• Bring civics back to the classroom.

• Affordable and easy to implement.

• Close the gap between new registers and active voters.

Track Record: 2004-2009

• 22,000 students

• 650 classrooms

• 22 states

The Impact

Vote 18• Empowers first-time voters

• Registers new voters

• Increases political awareness

• Promotes dialogue

• Encourages today’s youth to become tomorrow’s leaders.

The Game

Part I. Interactive History of Voting

Part II. Mock Election

Part III. Registering to Vote

Engagement not Lecture

Follow Up

• Engaging Students:

• Campaigns• Issues• Advocacy• Non-Profits• Volunteering• Networking• Community

Building

Partners

• Secretaries of State

• League of Women Voters

• Teach For America

• Rock the Vote

• Center for Civic Engagement (ASU)

• Corporate Community Outreach Programs

Washington, DC & Phx, AZ

Media

Adopt & Implement

• In House Coordinator Works with Vote 18

• Vote 18 Provides Facilitator Training & Development

• Vote 18 Provides Follow Up and Young Voter Engagement Support

Vote 18 is a Premier, Low Cost Youth Voter Engagement Tool

• Engage students through self-interest and interaction.

• Show students the value of their vote through tactile experience.

• Bring civics back to the classroom.

• Keep it free for schools and easy to adopt for teachers.

• Close the gap between new registers and active voters.

Student Feedback for Vote 18

Bring Vote 18 to Your State

• Email: Marco@Vote18.org

• Call: 718-483-6616

• Web: http://Vote18.org