League of Women Voters of Santa Fe County

Empowering Tomorrow's Voters: LWVSFC's Youth-Driven Initiative

The League of Women Voters Santa Fe County (LWVSFC), a nonpartisan, all-volunteer nonprofit, champions democracy by empowering voters through education and action. Among its standout initiatives is the High School Voter Registration Program—a dynamic, student-led project that exemplifies community collaboration and civic engagement.

Building Civic Leaders

Developed by LWVSFC member Anne McDonald Culp, this program trains high school students as certified Voter Registration Agents (VRAs) through the Santa Fe County Clerk's office. Partnering with history teachers across public, charter, and preparatory schools, Culp identifies passionate students who guide their peers through voter registration. The program’s success hinges on two pillars: strong partnerships with educators and robust mentorship for students. VRAs undergo tailored training that blends County Clerk certification with leadership development, fostering both skills and confidence.

Impact in Action

In the Fall of 2024, nine dedicated Voter Registration Agent (VRAs) successfully registered 500 eligible students through a blend of friendly team competitions, collaborative outreach, and mentorship from leaders like Culp. This effort not only fostered camaraderie but also created a shared commitment to civic engagement—a critical step in turning registration into action.

The significance of these registrations is underscored by research from Tufts University’s CIRCLE, which reveals a powerful trend: when young adults aged 18–24 register to vote, 75% go on to cast ballots. This data highlights a clear cause and effect. By empowering students to register, programs like ours directly amplify youth voter participation—a outcome that aligns seamlessly with our mission to strengthen democracy through increased civic engagement.

In short, registering 500 students isn’t just a number—it’s a catalyst. Evidence shows these newly registered voters are far more likely to participate in elections, ensuring their voices shape the future.

Expanding Horizons

Beyond registration, the initiative prioritizes education. Student VRAs recently partnered with LWVSFC to deliver presentations on combating misinformation, equipping peers with critical media literacy tools. This expansion underscores the program’s holistic approach to fostering informed, active citizens.

Celebrating Success

The season culminated in a celebratory luncheon where VRAs reflected on their experiences. Many highlighted the pride of amplifying youth voices and the value of civic participation.

Jada Martinez from Monte del Sol High School shared: “It was powerful to bring a voice to younger people in my community. We worked so hard for the right to vote; we should use it.”

Christopher Calles Mejia of Santa Fe High School added: “Working with LWVSFC was inspiring. I learned a lot and was proud to help register my peers.”

Nearly all participants plan to pursue higher education, carrying forward their commitment to community engagement.

Acknowledging Commitment

The League extends heartfelt gratitude to the students whose dedication drove the successful registration of 500 peers, fostering a culture of civic engagement. Equally vital were the contributions of local high school history teachers, whose partnership with Anne Culp laid the foundation for this initiative. Their willingness to collaborate, passion for empowering young voters, and ability to inspire students created a ripple effect, amplifying the program’s reach and impact.

Finally, we recognize Anne herself, whose visionary leadership and tireless mentorship shaped the project. Her ability to unite educators, students, and advocates transformed a concept into a thriving civic initiative. Together, this collective effort—students, teachers, and the League of Women Voters—demonstrates that partnerships rooted in shared purpose can ignite meaningful democratic participation.

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The Santa Fe Community Foundation invited its nonprofit grantees to submit stories related to our May topic of Civic and Economic Opportunities.