West Orange School District Urges Eligible Students To Vote In 2024

WEST ORANGE, NJ — If you’re turning 18 this year in West Orange, you may finally get a chance to wield one of the most cherished rights in the nation: voting. That’s why it is critical to register as a voter in New Jersey – even if you plan to attend college out-of-state, the West Orange Public School District says.

As the 2024 race ramps up, administrators at West Orange High School are launching a voter registration awareness campaign for all current and former students who will turn 18 in time for the election on Nov. 5.

Students and alumni can register and find more information about voting in New Jersey here – including details about absentee voting for those attending college out of state.

The campaign has a dual focus: First, it aims to reach all students who are or will turn 18 by Election Day. Second, it ensures that college-bound students are properly set up with absentee ballot registration before they leave for school.

“Our goal is to empower our students to become active participants in our democracy,” West Orange High School Principal Oscar Guerrero said.

“By registering to vote, they take the first step in making their voices heard and shaping the future of our community and nation,” Guerrero said.

According to district administrators, the voter registration campaign builds on a “foundation of civic education” that West Orange students are exposed to in the classroom. Throughout their academic journey, students learn about government structures, the electoral process, and the importance of civic participation.

The 2024 voter registration campaign serves as a “practical application” of these lessons, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world civic engagement, the district said.

The importance of this effort cannot be overstated, administrators added. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only 51.4% of eligible 18-24 year-olds were registered to vote in 2020. Even more concerning, only 45% of this age group actually cast ballots in that election. By contrast, 76% of citizens 65 and older voted.

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