# Youth Do Vote


## Posts

- [Protecting America’s democracy requires generations past and present](https://youthdovote.org/protecting-americas-democracy-requires-generations-past-and-present/): Two hundred and fifty years ago, the founding fathers of our nation came together, forging a document declaring that governed people are “created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.”
- [Newsletter - July 2025](https://youthdovote.org/newsletter-july-2025/): Youth Do Vote is thrilled to launch our very first newsletter this summer! As our organization continues to grow, we recognize how important it is to maintain open communication, both about the behind-the-scenes efforts and the incredible work happening on the front lines. This newsletter is our way of spotlighting the positive impact we’re making in the community, while also sharing exciting events and opportunities happening around town—all in one place! We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we’ve enjoyed creating it.
- [Fun Solution to Solve the Voter Sticker Shortage!](https://youthdovote.org/fun-solution-to-solve-the-voter-sticker-shortage/): Let’s be honest—what’s more important: the vote or the sticker? Of course, the vote matters most. But I’d argue that the sticker makes all the difference. Why? Because it makes voting fun. It turns a simple civic duty into something memorable. Voting doesn’t have to feel like a dry, transactional act, it’s a powerful moment to express your voice, shape the policies that affect your daily life, and be part of something bigger. Especially at the local level, voters have a real, tangible impact. So, is the sticker the reason to vote? No. But in an increasingly divisive political climate, it’s one of the […]
- [Sitting Down With Dr.Brandon Rottinghaus](https://youthdovote.org/sitting-down-with-dr-brandon-rottinghaus/): Today, Bella Podmore sits down with Dr. Brandon Rottinghaus, a professor of political science at the University of Houston, for a deep dive into education and its role in civic engagement. As a nationally recognized expert on political behavior and public opinion, Dr. Rottinghaus is widely known for his work on executive politics, political communication, and civic participation. As youth voter turnout continues to be a concern in American democracy, understanding the forces that encourage or inhibit early civic involvement is more important than ever. In Texas, all schools are required by law to offer voter registration to any high […]
- [When & Where to Vote in the San Antonio Runoff Election- A Student's Guide!](https://youthdovote.org/missed-early-voting-election-day-is-may-3-in-san-antonio/): This San Antonio mayoral and city council election is likely to be one of the most defining ones in recent memory. There were a plethora of open seats and dozens of people vying for each position. Now in the runoff election, getting to the polls effectively may seem like a challenging task for many residents. Municipal elections often have incredibly low turnout rates, meaning your vote matters more than ever.  Planning ahead of time is vital to making sure you’re not choosing between summer fun and expressing your voice! To make sure you’re prepared, we recommend checking with the Bexar […]
- [Uplifting Youth Through Increased College Enrollment](https://youthdovote.org/uplifting-youth-through-increased-college-enrollment/): SAN ANTONIO – More than a dozen youth-serving local nonprofit organizations are among the San Antonio Area Foundation’s first-ever Future Ready Impact grantees. A total of 16 nonprofits will receive $7.1 million cumulatively through six-year grants ranging from $11,000 to $100,000 annually (award amounts correspond to their respective budget size). The grants stem from the Area Foundation’s participation in the Future Ready Bexar County Plan, an ambitious educational effort meant to boost the volume of high school graduates going to college and post-secondary credential or vocational schools.  The project, funded at the national level through Blue Meridian Partners, is a collaboration with various other leading […]
- [Michele Carew Steps In as Bexar County Elections Administrator with a Focus on Youth Engagement and Modernization](https://youthdovote.org/michele-carew-steps-in-as-bexar-county-elections-administrator/): In her first hours as the new Bexar County Elections administrator, Michele Carew held a press conference, inviting even student journalists to attend the conference and ask her questions regarding her intentions and goals in this new position.  With a history of elections work in Hood County, Carew came highly praised by Judge Peter Sakai and the other members of the Elections Commission.  As a student journalist, I had the privilege to attend the press conference with Carew and get a first hand perspective on what she plans to bring to the table for the May election.  I have also […]
- [The Best May 3rd Voter Guides](https://youthdovote.org/the-best-may-3rd-voting-guides/): With the May 3rd municipal election upon us, San Antonio voters have an intimidating task ahead of them. With a plethora of open seats, several of which have a long list of people running for them, getting informed before you go to the polls is a must. Luckily a large variety of resources to help you make an informed choice this election have been put together by groups around our city. Whether you’re looking for in-depth issue analysis, a breakdown of candidates, or simply where to vote, these guides cover all the bases. Don’t forget, Early Voting began Tuesday, April […]
- [New Bexar County election chief thinks outside the box on how to get young people to vote](https://youthdovote.org/new-bexar-county-election-chief-thinks-outside-the-box-on-how-to-get-young-people-to-vote/): Bexar County’s new election administrator, Michele Carew, wants more young people to vote, and one way she hopes to accomplish that is by encouraging them to vote for a new URL for the elections department website. The current URL — bexar.org/1568/Elections-Department — is, well, utilitarian. It gets the job done but isn’t the stuff of slogans or rallying cries. It’s hard to visualize it on a T-shirt. There are no replacement URLs to vote on just yet. Carew said the idea is at an early stage, and she needs to get buy-in from the county’s information technology department first. As for how and where people […]
- [Local student coalition hosts free SA mayoral forum to meet the candidates](https://youthdovote.org/local-student-coalition-hosts-free-sa-mayoral-forum-to-meet-the-candidates/): 27 People want to be the next mayor of San Antonio. With that many candidates in the mayoral race, navigating the election can be overwhelming. Thats why a coalition of youth from Future Ready Bexar County is putting on their first mayoral forum an resource fair.
- [Getting Registered to Vote in Texas, A First-Timer’s Guide](https://youthdovote.org/getting-registered-to-vote-in-texas-a-first-timers-guide/): In Texas, getting registered to vote may not seem like a straightforward process. However, it can be a quick and easy one if you know the correct information!  I recently turned 18 and finally got to fill out my voter registration card while I counted down the days until I get to make use of my newly gained civic responsibility. While I was expecting to just need to navigate through a clunky website to do so, reality quickly set in when I realized no such form existed. It’s a common misconception that you can register online when you renew your […]
- [Next Bexar County election administrator can modernize elections](https://youthdovote.org/next-bexar-county-election-administrator-can-modernize-elections/): In the coming weeks, the Bexar County Election Commission will appoint a new elections administrator. I am hopeful that the person selected will raise the bar and bring the Bexar County Elections Department into the 21st century by advancing the department’s communication, technology and training systems to better serve the electorate. As an election judge since 2016 and founder of Youth Do Vote — a nonpartisan organization that helps high school students register to vote, and recruits high school and college students to serve as poll workers — I know firsthand the systemic barriers our youngest voters and poll workers face when it comes […]
- [Teenage poll workers energize poll sites managed by seniors](https://youthdovote.org/teenage-poll-workers-energize-poll-sites-managed-by-seniors/): Among the many poll workers taking a break from retirement to staff Bexar County voting sites, there is Hudson Locke, a 17-year-old election clerk who on a recent day of early voting helped an elderly woman cast her first-ever ballot. “She was like, ‘I’m gonna need some help from you. I’ve never voted before. I know that that’s probably bad.’ And then I guided her through all the steps,” said Locke, a senior at Reagan High School who is working his third election as a poll worker.  Locke is one of 18 other high school students working as student election […]
- [San Antonio high school student supports democracy by working as election clerk](https://youthdovote.org/san-antonio-high-school-student-supports-democracy-by-working-as-election-clerk/): Even though Jeremiah Garza, 16, is too young to head to the polls this election season, he’s doing his part to make sure other people’s votes count. The junior at San Antonio ISD’s St. Philip’s College Early College High School serves as an election clerk. In Texas, people who work in that volunteer position ensure the smooth operation of polling stations, set up voting equipment and verify voter eligibility. “I just wanted to know how it works and the systems we have,” said Garza, who’s studying cybersecurity at St. Philip’s. Before becoming an election clerk, Garza had some interest in politics but […]
- [Youth Do Vote, Trinity University to host a Youth Voter and Poll Worker Fest this Friday](https://youthdovote.org/youth-do-vote-trinity-university-to-host-a-youth-voter-and-poll-worker-fest-this-friday/): SAN ANTONIO – Youth Do Vote, a nonprofit focused on increasing young voter turnout, is spending the day on Trinity University’s campus teaching more than 400 high school students about the election process. Organizers say they want to capitalize on the excitement of a presidential race to teach young people how they can stay civically engaged. “If we can help folks find access to reliable and trustworthy, credible information and resources, and then equip them with helping to get them to the polls and making that plan to vote, then I think we’ve done our job,” said Jaimie Thompson with Trinity […]
- ['You can change things' | San Antonio high school students register to vote, learn importance of their voices](https://youthdovote.org/you-can-change-things-san-antonio-high-school-students-register-to-vote-learn-importance-of-their-voices/): SAN ANTONIO — A special lesson happened on Tuesday inside Sonia Sotomayor High School that will have a lasting impact on students.  Future first-time voters got to register to vote on National Voter Registration Day. Volunteer Deputy Registrar Belinda Mood is with EVRI or Educators Voter Registration Initiative which is part of the group Youth Do Vote. EVRI was founded in 2014 and is mostly made up of retired teachers. Youth Do Vote said it is a nonpartisan, collaborative network in Bexar County that likes to empower educators and students.  “I wish I had an opportunity like this when I was a junior or […]
- [Higher voter registration engagement seen in San Antonio after tumultuous election cycle](https://youthdovote.org/higher-voter-registration-engagement-seen-in-san-antonio-after-tumultuous-election-cycle/): SAN ANTONIO – The deadline to register to vote this presidential election is October 7th and dozens of San Antonio nonprofit organizations have been working to increase voter registration. Although Bexar County is getting pushback from the State of Texas for sending out voter registration forms, organizations are working to make sure that doesn’t discourage anyone from registering to vote. “Honestly, it’s been kind of difficult for us to keep up with demand lately, but it’s a good thing, right?” asked Heather Eichling, Founder of Youth to Vote. This year’s eventful election cycle has San Antonio nonprofit organizations seeing an […]
- [San Antonio-area high schools — some of them, at least — are ramping up voter registration for Nov. 5](https://youthdovote.org/san-antonio-area-high-schools-some-of-them-at-least-are-ramping-up-voter-registration-for-nov-5/): Elizabeth Chalmers has just turned 18 and will soon vote in her first election — a long Nov. 5 ballot, topped by a heated presidential race. She’s working to help fellow seniors at Clark High School get registered and learn how to negotiate an online minefield of misinformation and political spin.  “With the intensity of this election cycle, that definitely has inspired a lot of students to want to speak up,” said Chalmers, an editor of her school newspaper who’s co-hosting a nonpartisan public event at Clark this month on the importance of informed voting. Clark will be complying with a […]
- ['You wouldn't want your grandparents picking out your music, so why let them pick the people who represent you?' — Gen Z student gets out the vote](https://youthdovote.org/you-wouldnt-want-your-grandparents-picking-out-your-music-so-why-let-them-pick-the-people-who-represent-you-gen-z-student-gets-out-the-vote/): An 18-year-old student from Helotes has shown that Gen Z’s interest in the voting process is alive and well. Eliana Arriaga was recently the recipient of the Why Vote? Scholarship from the National Society of High School Scholars. Arriaga said most of her fellow students didn’t know that they could register to vote when they turn 17 years and 10 months old. She created a voter registration event at Brandeis High School called 17/10 day. “I was able to do this from my position of NHS Parliamentarian and created a subcommittee on my campus for a voter registration drive, the […]
- [Reach Gen Z this election season by using social media to demystify voting](https://youthdovote.org/reach-gen-z-this-election-season-by-using-social-media-to-demystify-voting/): Many among my generation aren’t engaged in our communities, yet a consistent quality among Gen Z — those born from 1997 to 2012 — is the desire to be an activist. We may advocate for charities through social media or create change.org petitions, make signs, and attend rallies and protests, but knowing where to affect change at the local level is a challenge. This is part of a larger trend among those in my generation who are overwhelmed by both the failings and pressures of society. The lack of civic education I received in school has resulted in an uninformed […]
- [Commentary: As presidential election nears, our voting infrastructure lags behind](https://youthdovote.org/commentary-as-presidential-election-nears-our-voting-infrastructure-lags-behind/): By Heather Eichling, For the Express-NewsOriginal article published June 14, 2024 It’s never too early to instill the importance of elections among young and future voters, particularly in this era of polarization and disillusionment. That’s why last year I founded Youth Do Vote, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works to build a network of Bexar County students and educators to demystify the voting process. As someone who has worked many local elections, I’ve seen firsthand the value of poll workers and election officials in facilitating safe and accessible elections in San Antonio. Although the voting age is 18, in Texas, young […]
- [Retired teachers return to classrooms, but with a different mission: Getting students registered to vote](https://youthdovote.org/retired-teachers-return-to-classrooms-but-with-a-different-mission-getting-students-registered-to-vote/): Retired teachers are back in the classroom, but on a different mission as they’re helping eligible students register to vote. It’s part of a nationwide push to get the youth more involved in voting process. KENS 5 had the opportunity to follow around these volunteers as they met with seniors at Harlandale High School. Volunteers with Educators Voter Registration Initiative (EVRI) are helping students exercise their right to vote. The all-volunteer organization is made up of mostly retired teachers. “We still see ourselves as educators, because that’s what we’re doing when we go in the classrooms,” said Deputy Volunteer Registrar, […]
- [San Antonio nonprofit spreads awareness on voting education, voter registration](https://youthdovote.org/san-antonio-nonprofit-spreads-awareness-on-voting-education-voter-registration/): SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio nonprofit has been working with schools and organizations to grow youth voting in Bexar County. Last year, Heather Eichling started the nonprofit, Youth Do Vote. “We’ve been building lots of partnerships with school districts, individual schools and teachers and nonprofits,” Heather Eichling, the founder and executive director of Youth Do Vote said. Eichling said the nonprofit focuses on building a nonpartisan network of schools, students and local nonprofits to spread awareness on voting education, voter registration and recruitment of student election clerks. “Tomorrow’s (Tuesday’s) election we have eight high school students that are going to be working […]
- [The unnerving issue this election cycle: Will young people vote and for whom?](https://youthdovote.org/the-unnerving-issue-this-election-cycle-will-young-people-vote-and-for-whom/): Two San Antonians work in official and unofficial capacities on an issue that’s unnerving everyone this election cycle – young voters. One retired San Antonio woman is up early to write her daily email to contacts that include the presidents of five local colleges and universities. Her email is a daily report on voter turnout at their campus polling sites.  It’s not good, and she lets them know it. Another San Antonio woman, a longtime nonprofit leader, established a new organization last year focused on getting more young, eligible voters registered, to the polls and involved in nonpartisan elections work. Rebecca Flores worked alongside […]
- [Students can help solve the poll worker shortage](https://youthdovote.org/students-can-help-solve-the-poll-worker-shortage/): One of my earliest memories is going to the polls with my dad and experiencing the scale and necessity of the polls. It was an example of what our elections should be: an exciting experience that creates a more educated voter base.  I was reminded of that last week while working my first shift as a student election clerk. Through my involvement with Youth Do Vote, I was able to talk with two Bexar County election judges about becoming a student election clerk and how important it is for students to have this kind of opportunity to be involved even before […]
- [Will Texas ever change its anti-voter policies? We hope so.](https://youthdovote.org/will-texas-ever-change-its-anti-voter-policies-we-hope-so/): When Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro announced last week he had enacted automatic voter registration, we were reminded of how Texas erects hurdles instead of bridges when it comes to voting rights.  Pennsylvania is the 24th state, along with Washington, D.C., to implement some form of automatic voter registration, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, or NCSL.  Automatic voter registration, or AVR, is a pro-voter policy in which eligible individuals are automatically registered to vote when interacting with certain government agencies, such as a department of motor vehicles, according to the NCSL. Information gathered from participating government agencies is transmitted to election […]
- [Commentary: Celebrate our democracy at Youth Voter Fest at UTSA](https://youthdovote.org/commentary-celebrate-our-democracy-at-youth-voter-fest-at-utsa/): Did anyone in your chosen or biological family ever take you with them to vote? Who taught you about voting and elections? Not whom to vote for, but how to register, learn about the candidates and issues, and know where and when to vote. No one automatically knows how to vote when they turn 18. Voting must be taught — by family and friends, educators and community members. Passing on that generational knowledge and experience is crucial to maintaining our democracy. Voting is at the core of our democratic culture, and ought to be a family value and tradition. Voting […]

## Pages

- [Youth Voter & Poll Worker Fest](https://youthdovote.org/events/youth-voter-poll-worker-fest/): Youth Voter & Poll Worker Fest Wednesday, September 23, 2026 Sponsor the next generation of San Antonio voters. Youth Do Vote is the only nonprofit in Texas placing high school students as paid election clerks. Your sponsorship makes our annual Youth Voter & Poll Worker Fest free, accessible, and impactful for young people across Bexar County. Event Details Become a sponsor During the 2025-26 School Year Students registered to vote + High school partners Paid student election clerks Event Details Youth Voter & Poll Worker Fest 2026 September 23, 2026 St. Philip’s College, San Antonio Hundreds of students, educators & […]
- [Newsletter](https://youthdovote.org/newsletter/): Newsletter Sign up for our Newsletter Join our network of students, educators, and community partners working to make voting accessible for all. Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to know about events, opportunities, and ways to get involved.
- [Our Team](https://youthdovote.org/about/team/): Our Team The People Powering Youth Do Vote The Youth Do Vote team brings together administrators, educators, students, local nonprofits, and election officials to demystify voting and elections in Bexar County. Founded in 2023 by Heather Eichling and fiscally sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas, our nonpartisan team advances voter registration, voting education, and the recruitment of student election clerks. We work collaboratively with school districts to strengthen compliance with the Texas High School Voter Registration law and to connect young people with paid, real-world election experience that builds civic confidence and leadership. Meet the Team Staff […]
- [Funders & Partners](https://youthdovote.org/about/partners/): Funders & Partners Backed by Our Community The work of Youth Do Vote is made possible through the generous support of our funders and the collaboration of our partners. These organizations share our belief that young people deserve a powerful voice in shaping the future of our communities. By investing resources, expertise, and time, our funders and partners help us expand civic education and increase youth voter engagement. View Our Sponsors Become a Partner Sponsors Youth Voter & Poll Worker Fest Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai Bexar County Commissioner Justin Rodriguez Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert Methodist Healthcare Ministries Gamez […]
- [Voter Registration](https://youthdovote.org/voter-registration/): Educators Voter Registration Initiative The Texas Election Code requires high school principals, or their designees, to distribute voter registration applications to eligible students at least twice a year. Just distributing forms, however, does not guarantee students will become properly registered. That’s where we can help! Educators Voter Registration Initiative (EVRI) was founded in 2014, operated predominantly by retired educators who wanted to help high school principals meet their legal requirement to provide voter registration opportunities on their campus. Since the fall of 2014, EVRI has been helping schools across Bexar County and has registered more than 20,000 new voters. In […]
- [FAQ](https://youthdovote.org/faq/): F.A.Q. We are here to help! Youth Do Vote’s mission is to help Bexar county youth get involved in our elections!  What is an Election Judge I am item content. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. What is an Election Judge I am item content. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. What is Youth Do Vote? I am item content. Click edit […]
- [News](https://youthdovote.org/news/): News & Media In Bexar County Poll Worker compensation starts at $15/hr Learn More Categories Interested in Becoming a Poll Worker? Youth Do Vote is here to help match you with Election Judges and open poll worker positions! We want to help you to get involved with Bexar County Elections Department! Get Involved
- [Programs](https://youthdovote.org/programs/): Our Programs Youth Do Vote is successfully engaging young voters in Bexar county through our programs and campaigns. Get Involved Program Information 1 High School Voter Registration for All In 1985, Texas enacted the High School Voter Registration (HSVR) law [Texas Election Code 13.046] requiring high school principals to provide voter registration opportunities twice a year to eligible students. Youth Do Vote is raising awareness of and compliance with this law through public awareness campaigns, voter registrations drives with partner organizations, and creating student-led voting clubs. Student Election Clerks In Texas, beginning at the age of 16, students can work […]
- [College Students](https://youthdovote.org/engage/college/): Become a Poll Worker In Bexar County Poll Worker compensation starts at $16/hr Get Involved As A Bexar County Poll Worker! The first step in the process is to complete the  Youth Do Vote Election Clerk Interest Form! The information you provide will help the Youth Do Vote team determine which vote centers will be more convenient for you and how to match you with an election judge. Election Clerk Interest Form Compensation for Bexar County poll workers Election Clerks $16/hr Alternative Election Judges $17/hr Election Judges $18/hr College Students Serve as an Election Clerk Once a student reaches the […]
- [High School Students](https://youthdovote.org/engage/highschool/): Become a Poll Worker In Bexar County Student Election Clerks earn $16/hr Get involved as a Student Election Clerk! The first step in the process is to complete the Youth Do Vote Election Clerk Interest Form! The information you provide will help the Youth Do Vote team determine which vote centers will be more convenient for you and how to match you with an election judge. Election Clerk Interest Form More info for High School Principals & Teachers More info for Parents / Guardians High School Students What is a Student Election Clerk? A Student Election Clerk is a high […]
- [Home](https://youthdovote.org/): Empowering Tomorrow’s Voters Youth Do Vote is building a strictly nonpartisan, collaborative network of Bexar County high schools, colleges, nonprofits, and election officials to demystify voting through voter registration, voting education, and student election clerk recruitment. Together, we’re empowering educators and students to grow future voters. what We do Programs High School Voter Registration for All We raise awareness of the High School Voter Registration (HSVR) law in Texas, and help high schools with compliance. Student Election Clerks We actively recruit high school and college students year-round to work elections in Bexar County.  Youth Voter Fest Our Youth Voter Fest […]
- [Events](https://youthdovote.org/events/): Events & Elections Interested in Becoming a Poll Worker? Youth Do Vote is here to help match you with Election Judges and open poll worker positions! We want to help you to get involved with Bexar County Elections Department! Get Involved
- [Resources](https://youthdovote.org/resources/): YDV Slide Presentation for Bexar County School Districts Bexar County Elections Department Texas Secretary of State Vote411.org
- [Engage](https://youthdovote.org/engage/): Did you know students can work elections? In the state of Texas, students can work elections at the age of 16. That’s even before a student is eligible to register to vote at the age of 17 years and 10 months1 Becoming a poll worker for your local elections department is a great experiential learning opportunity that enables students to play a critical role in the democratic process. Students gain firsthand experience with the operations of setting up and running a vote center during early voting and election day. Become a Poll Worker! What type of student are you? HIgh […]
- [About](https://youthdovote.org/about/): About Us Our Purpose Youth Do Vote is building a collaborative, nonpartisan network of Bexar County high school and college administrators, educators, and students as well as local nonprofits and election judges to help demystify voting and elections through: voter registration voting education recruitment of student election clerks. Contact us Who We are Youth Do Vote was founded in January 2023 by Heather Eichling. Per a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) established in August 2023, Youth Do Vote is a fiscally sponsored project of Big Brother Big Sisters of South Texas, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in San Antonio, Texas. Meet Our […]
- [Contact](https://youthdovote.org/contact/): Contact Us Get in Touch We value your input and engagement in the democratic process. If you have any questions, suggestions, or partnership opportunities, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Contact Youth Do Vote using the form below or directly via email or phone. Let’s work together to empower youth voices and encourage civic participation. Call Us (210) 222-2222 Email info@youthdovote.org Follow Facebook Instagram Twitter
- [Privacy Policy](https://youthdovote.org/privacy-policy/): Last updated: April 09, 2024 This Privacy Policy describes Our policies and procedures on the collection, use and disclosure of Your information when You use the Service and tells You about Your privacy rights and how the law protects You. We use Your Personal data to provide and improve the Service. By using the Service, You agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.    Interpretation and Definitions Interpretation The words of which the initial letter is capitalized have meanings defined under the following conditions. The following definitions shall have the same meaning regardless […]


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