By Mary Massey
The Office of the Santa Fe County Clerk is on a mission to educate young people about the importance of voting to democracy.
About 70 students at Early College Opportunities High School were given the opportunity Oct. 1 to fill out ballots and use certified voting machines while learning about the upcoming local elections on Nov. 4.
Katharine Clark, Santa Fe County Clerk, said research has shown that if voters cast ballots in three elections, voting becomes a habit, and they are more likely to become life-long voters.
In the mock election, students are familiarized with the voting process and practice casting a ballot without any pressure alongside their classmates.
What her office is trying to show young voters is that “government cares about what they think and their ideas,” Clark said. “A lot of young people don’t feel seen by their government.”
During the presentation, Roseangela Ortiz, chief deputy clerk who oversees the Santa Fe County Bureau of Elections, told students that the percentage of voters in their age range is the lowest, “so we are trying to fix that.” She added, “Young people are the game changers.”
She explained that the local elections select the leaders who address the roads and the schools to determine the quality of life for all residents. “All of us need to show up for the sake of our community,” she added.
Juan Portillo-Batista, 11th grader, said he learned the importance of voting in local elections, and that “it was pretty neat to get a glimpse into adult life.”
Jayda Jiali Gonzalez, 11th grader, said of the mock election, “It is a great opportunity to open our eyes to the world of voting and that our opinion matters.”
Johnathan Hernandez, 12th grader, said he appreciated the opportunity to participate in the mock election. He said, “Many kids are put off from voting because it feels too intimidating and out of reach. We can improve their polling numbers and implement change the youth want.”
Hernandez pre-registered at the mock election event and will be eligible to vote in the Nov. 4 local elections because he turns 18 on Nov. 2.
“My birthday is just two days before so it will be just in time,” he said with a smile.