Texas Schools Participate in UnidosUS High School Democracy Project Week of Action

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Less than six months out from the midterm elections, Latino youth take action to register to vote

WASHINGTON, DC—This week, students attending schools who are part of the UnidosUS Affiliate Network are taking part in a week of action to engage voters in their local communities. The participants are enrolled in the UnidosUS High School Democracy Project, a program launched in 2016 to create civic awareness and encourage voter participation among diverse Latino communities across the country.

According to national exit polling in the 2016 elections, approximately only one-half of eligible youth voters turned out to vote, the same percentage as those who turned out in 2012. Each year, approximately one million Latino youth turn 18 and become eligible—this group constitutes the main driver of growth within the Latino electorate and could significantly drive those numbers up if they are engaged and activated.

“We are excited to launch the week of action with some of our partner schools and to see Latino youth in action—registering students and community members and imparting the importance of making their voices heard through their vote,” said Janet Hernandez, Senior Project Manager, UnidosUS.

Schools participating in the week of action include:

  • Houston Gateway Academy
  • George I. Sanchez Charter School
  • East Austin College Prep
  • San Benito High School
  • Los Fresnos High School
  • Akins High School
  • Austin High School
  • Bowie High School
  • Crockett High School
  • Travis High School
  • Manor High School
  • Stony Point High School
  • KIPP Austin Collegiate

UnidosUS launched the Power of 18 earlier this year, an effort to ramp up participation for the upcoming 2018 elections, which includes in-person voter registration through its network of Affiliates, a door-to-door canvass campaign, and a digital outreach and voter registration tool aimed at increasing participation among youth turning 18 in time for the election.

For more information, please visit UnidosUS and Powerof18.com.