A high school senior from Prince William County is making strides in helping her peers register to vote as they approach their first opportunity to participate in elections. Penelope Nowell-Shortt, who attends Woodbridge High School, became inspired to take action after realizing her own eligibility to vote this fall due to her October birthday. Recognizing that many of her classmates might share her eagerness, she worked to raise awareness about voting rights among her peers.
Nowell-Shortt contacted school guidance counselors to assess how many of her classmates would be eligible to vote by Election Day, finding that approximately 100 students met the criteria. With this information in hand, she organized a week-long voter registration drive during lunch hours at her school. The initiative attracted 72 students, who took the step to register for the upcoming election.
“This is a great opportunity for civic engagement,” Nowell-Shortt noted, emphasizing the importance of not only voting in this election but also cultivating a habit of participation among younger voters for future elections.
Throughout the registration drive, she ensured her discussions were informative and inclusive, avoiding partisan bias. Many students were unaware of their voting eligibility, underscoring the importance of initiatives like hers in raising awareness.
Motivated by her mother’s status as a permanent resident who cannot vote, Nowell-Shortt is committed to ensuring her classmates understand the significance of voting. She plans to cast her first ballot in person on Election Day, alongside her older brother, also a first-time voter.
According to Nowell-Shortt, empowering young people to register and vote will enhance the political influence of future generations. “With the younger generation participating in elections, we can make a substantial impact on our future,” she asserted.
This story highlights the proactive efforts of young individuals to engage their peers in democracy, offering a hopeful outlook for the future of civic participation as more young people become informed and involved in the electoral process.