On March 17 and 18, the League of Women Voters (LWV) will be in Government classes to register seniors to vote. Eligible students that would like to register to vote but are not in Government classes can scan the QR code posted around the school. 

In Virginia, students as young as 16 are able to pre-register to vote. While pre-registration doesn’t allow students under 18 to vote immediately, it means that as soon as they turn 18 they will be registered to vote in the next election. 

Senior Gavin Moore, who took advantage of Virginia’s pre-registration, said, “I registered my junior year, when I was 17, and I was able to vote as soon as I turned 18.”

In addition to this, students that will be 18 years old by the date of Virginia’s next general election (November 3, 2026), are eligible to vote this spring on Virginia’s proposed redistricting amendment. This means some students who are currently 17 will be able to vote on the amendment.

Some students that register to vote this spring will also be able to cast their vote in Virginia’s upcoming general election this November. 

Moore believes voting is important. He said, “Voting determines the future of our democracy.” He went on to urge students to register, saying, “You should do it. It’s your voice.”

On Nov. 3, voters across Virginia will cast their ballots for the offices of US Senate, US House of Representatives and three proposed constitutional amendments. One would affirm the right to same-sex marriage. One would affirm the right to abortion. Another would automatically retore voting rights to felons after they are released from incarceration. 

During the registration drive, volunteers will be there to help with any questions students may have, however it is important that students remember to bring their social security number, and that registration forms must be filled out with a blue or black ink pen.