This Rochester High School Just Registered 300 New Voters

ROCHESTER, MI – Oakland County welcomed nearly 300 newly registered voters from Rochester Adams High School in a single morning and the district is celebrating.

A student-led PTSA (Parent-Teacher Student Association) legislative group partnered with local election officials and volunteers to provide a one-stop shop, so seniors could complete in-person voter registration before starting college.

After meeting with Adams student advocates, Rochester Hills City Clerk Tina Barton explained new legislation, cleared up questions about absentee ballots, and proposed a streamlined, onsite registration.

“The process can be confusing, especially for students who are away at college during elections,” Barton said. “We decided to bring together all the local election officials for onsite registration and we offered the option for automatic absentee ballot application by mail. This eliminates an extra step for new voters and allows them to be engaged citizens no matter where their academic careers take them.”

Assistant Secretary of State Heaster Wheeler visited the students and congratulated them for exercising their right to vote. “Research shows that if you vote in the first election for which you are eligible, you are more likely to be a lifelong voter,” Wheeler said. “We want young people to make voting a habit for the rest of their lives. These Rochester Community Schools students are providing a great model for others across the state.”

The Adams voter registration focused on seniors, but was open to all eligible U.S. citizens who are 17.5 years or older.

“We are proud of our students who search for opportunities to contribute to their community in positive ways,” said Pasquale Cusumano, Adams High School principal. “Special thanks goes out to our partners who ensured a successful event.”

Partnering on this initiative were Rochester Adams High School, the Rochester Adams PTSA, and election officials from Auburn Hills, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township, Oakland County and the Michigan Secretary of State office.