UTICA — The League of Women Voters of the Utica-Rome Metro area has been awarded a grant from the League of Women Voters National organization to help engage prospective young voters and under-represented communities and encourage them to get involved in the political process.
As an initial step, local LWV Utica-Rome members sought to develop a slogan that might resonate with the audience and promote the mission – and have adopted “You have a voice. Use it! Vote!,” which was offered by Bristol Jasiewicz, of New Hartford.
Her slogan will be on bracelets which will be given to students who participate in discussion groups or who register to vote. It will also be on postcards that will be sent as reminders to vote in the upcoming general election in November 2026. Jasiewicz attended a recent LWV Utica-Rome Metro general membership meeting where she was recognized for her efforts and given bracelets and a postcard with her slogan on them.
She also registered to vote with her mom, Amanda Humphrey, looking on.
Any schools wanting to engage their students in civic education and engagement — either in discussion groups with clubs or with a voter registration drive at the school or a school event — is asked to contact Lu Blanchard, president and chair of the Youth Voter Grant committee via email at leagueuticarome [at] gmail.com.
The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan, grassroots advocacy organization that focuses on voting rights, voter education and civic engagement. The organization does not endorse or oppose political parties or candidates but do defend democracy and democratic ideals.
“We are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and welcome all persons, 16 years of age or older, to become a member,” the announcement added.
