We are excited to announce that we have achieved 100% voter registration for all eligible students at Mancos High School! This accomplishment makes us proud as we apply for the Eliza Pickrell Routt Award, given to Colorado high schools that have 85% or more of eligible seniors registered to vote.
When students register, they learn about the political process, the three branches of government, and their rights and responsibilities in a democracy, all while fulfilling the Portrait of a Graduate (PoG) competency of being Civic Minded. Trista Lechman captures the importance, stating, "Voting matters because it gives you a voice in shaping what's happening in the world. It's a significant milestone in becoming an active citizen."
Civics teacher Mr. Custer adds, "Getting younger voters registered is critical to increasing the health of our democracy. This initiative empowers youth to exercise their right to vote. Voting and voicing your opinion is a beautiful aspect of our democracy, often overlooked and taken for granted. The only way to preserve this right is by exercising it, and it all starts with registering young people. This also highlights one of the key values of Mancos' Portrait of a Graduate – Civic Mindedness."