Dear Job Corps students,
As we approach important election dates in the fall, I wanted to talk to all of you about a very important matter: registering to vote. On July 1, 1971, the 26th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified. This amendment lowered the voting age down from 21 to 18-year-olds, giving them the right to vote in all U.S. elections.
The 26th Amendment was finally ratified after many youth activities during that time fought for their right to have their voice heard, which remains so important to this day, to shape the leaders of our government and important future decisions.
That is why increasing voter registration among 18- to 24-year-olds is so important – both to each individual and to our country. You can make an impact locally, regionally and nationally. In 2016, only 19% of people ages 18-29 cast their ballot in the presidential election. This is unfortunate because your voice can make a difference.
Hear from Jazmyne Hall, president of the Sierra Nevada Job Corps Center's SGA, on why it’s so important to vote so you can have a say on who represents you in your community.