Government : Auditor Rippel encourages high schools to participate in Voter Registration Day

Auditor Rippel encourages high schools to participate in statewide High School Voter Registration Day

Benton County Auditor Hayley Rippel joins Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate and auditors across the state in encouraging Iowa high schools to conduct voter registration drives on Tuesday, March 30. The date coincides with the 50th anniversary of Iowa ratifying the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, lowering the voting age from 21 to 18. Governor Reynolds plans to issue an official proclamation declaring Tuesday, March 30 as "Iowa High School Voter Registration Day."

State law allows 17-year-olds to register to vote. There are almost 2,000 17-year-olds currently registered in Iowa.

"It's crucial for young people to learn that registering to vote and participating in elections is the best way to make sure your voice is heard," Secretary Pate said. "My office is working with schools across the state to help them register eligible students."

Registering to vote in Iowa has never been easier. There are several options available and it only takes a few minutes. You can register anytime online, through the mail, at various government agency offices, at a voter registration drive, military recruiting centers, and in-person at your polling place on election day.

Approximately 90 percent of eligible Iowans are registered to vote, and there are more than two million active registered voters in the state. To check your voter registration status, register to vote or update your information visit VoterReady.Iowa.org or https://elections.bentoncountyia.gov/