Empowering the Next Generation of Voters

The League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Columbus (LWVMC) is committed to helping young people become informed, engaged, and confident participants in our democracy.

Youth voter participation remains an important challenge. As of August 2023, only 22.5% of 18-year-olds in Franklin County were registered to vote, and data from the 2022 election indicated that just 21.6% of Ohio voters ages 18–29 cast a ballot. These statistics highlight the importance of reaching young people early and providing them with the knowledge and resources to participate in elections.

Through our High School Voter Outreach Program, LWVMC brings interactive, nonpartisan voter education directly into classrooms throughout Franklin County. For more than eight years, our trained volunteers have partnered with local schools to help students understand the importance of voting, explore the history of voting rights, and learn how to participate in elections.

Our approximately one-hour classroom presentations give students the opportunity to experience the voting process through hands-on activities, discuss the issues that matter to them, and receive guidance on registering to vote.

Our goal is simple: to empower the next generation of voters with the knowledge, confidence, and tools they need to make their voices heard.

Give to expand this program for the 2026-2027 school year. 

Making an Impact in Our Schools

During the 2026–2027 school year, our program continues to expand its reach across Franklin County, connecting with students in classrooms and helping eligible students take the first steps toward becoming registered voters.

With the support of our dedicated High School Voter Outreach Coordinator, trained lead facilitators, and community volunteers, we are building relationships with schools and creating meaningful opportunities for civic engagement.

Whether students are preparing to vote for the first time or simply beginning to explore their role in our democracy, we want them to leave our classrooms knowing that their voices matter and their votes can make a difference.

Get Involved with Our High School Voter Outreach Program!

For Volunteers: Help us empower the next generation of voters! Watch our volunteer training video to learn more about the program and how to support classroom activities. Then, sign up for an upcoming volunteer opportunity to join us in local schools.

For Teachers & Schools: Interested in bringing our interactive, nonpartisan voter education program to your classroom? We'd love to visit your school! Contact our High School Voter Outreach Coordinator, Kristina McCann, at hsvoteroutreach [at] lwvcols.org to learn more and schedule a presentation.

Our Impact: 2026–2027 School Year

We're off to a great start! Through classroom presentations, voter registration tables, and school community events, the League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Columbus is connecting with students and families across Franklin County.

Fall 2026 Impact at a Glance

• 2,500 students and school community members engaged
• 1,141 students reached through classroom presentations
• 44 classroom presentations delivered
• 794 students engaged through voter registration outreach
• 565 school community members reached through voter registration outreach

These efforts are made possible by our dedicated volunteers, lead facilitators, and school partners who are helping us empower the next generation of voters.

Schools We've Visited in 2026–2027

We're grateful to the schools and educational partners that have welcomed our program so far this school year!

Columbus City Schools

• Centennial High School
• Columbus Africentric Early College
• Columbus Downtown High School
• Columbus International High School
• East High School
• Independence High School
• Northland High School
• Ohio Avenue Elementary School
• South High School
• West High School

Other Franklin County School Districts

• Hilliard Darby High School
• Hilliard Davidson High School
• Franklin Heights High School
• Worthington Kilbourne High School
• Thomas Worthington High School
• Reynoldsburg High School

Additional Schools & Community Partners

• Arts & College Preparatory Academy (ACPA)
• Pickerington Library

We look forward to continuing these partnerships and visiting even more classrooms throughout the remainder of the school year!

Thank You to Our Program Funder!

A special thank you to the Columbus Bar Foundation for its generous funding and continued partnership in supporting our High School Voter Outreach Program!

Through this support, we are able to expand our reach, connect with more students across Franklin County, and provide meaningful civic education and voter registration opportunities. We are incredibly grateful for the Foundation's commitment to empowering young voters and strengthening civic engagement in our community.

Additional Reading