Vote! It’s a Community Gift

It’s that time of year again. Graduations are upon us and students are now preparing to embark on the next stage of their lives. Whether going on to school or entering the workforce or the military, this is a big moment in a young person’s life. As the celebrations begin, consider giving a new graduate a gift that will last for years to come; help them register to vote!

Voting brings us together as Americans — it is the one time when we are all equal. It doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor, or young or old; elections are our opportunity to elect leaders who lift up our communities and make them better. Help the new grads in your life get started by registering to vote or updating their registration if they have moved.

As members of the League of Women Voters of Santa Barbara area, we are proud to be part of a network of community volunteers that help make sure all young people have the chance to ask questions about issues that matter to them, understand why voting is important, and get registered. We have helped tens of thousands of high school and college students get registered, including here in our South Coast communities.

Visit the League’s one-stop shop for voting information, SmartVoter.org to start the registration process. Or, contact the League at lwvsantabarbara.org. Grads will thank you for helping them become active voters: It’s a gift for them and for their community!

Joanie Jones and Susan Shank are copresidents of the League of Women Voters of Santa Barbara.