Voter turnout is not where it should be. Help to get more people to the polls by planning and implementing a Get Out the Vote campaign. Share information about the importance of voting and how to register.
You can influence elections by increasing the number of first-time voters. The number of 18-year-old voters is not where it should be. Citizens eligible to vote aren’t registering, and therefore not voting. You can change that by launching a campaign to register young people so that they can vote in the upcoming election.
Preparation Instruction:
IMPORTANT. Since this is mostly an independent project that you can do by yourself or with friends, make sure you have the approval of a teacher before you start on this project, to assure that they will support you in giving you your hours if you meet all the objectives.
Research what the requirements are for voter registration in Guam. This is a good resource:
https://votesmart.org/elections/voter-registration/GU#.Wg5TdLSZ2uU
Create brochures or flyers to pass out to students and young people who may be potential voters. Make copies. If you need funds for copying, ask adults who would likely contribute or help you with copies.
Determine what a good event would be to do this (senior class meetings, club meetings, student government meetings, fairs, carnivals, festivals). Contact the Guam Election Commission to find out if they would be able to send registrant to these events.
Create a pledge form in the form of a petition. I ____ pledge that I will register to vote so that I can exercise my civic responsibility.
Activity Instruction:
On the day of your events, dress appropriately, perhaps in red, white, and blue.
Greet potential voters and ask if they will be 18 by the election in November 2018. If yes, tell them about the importance of voting. Give them your flyer or brochure. Be prepared to answer any questions that may come up. You should know everything you need to know from your research.
Ask them to sign the pledge that they will vote.
If you have official registrants at this event, point the potential voters to the registrant.
Keep track of the number of hours you spent on this project, both the preparation and activity. You will need to justify these hours to your teacher.
Take a photo of you at the event doing this project. Hashtag to social media #guamservicelearning #voterturnout and whatever phrase is appropriate to this project.
Reflection Instruction:
In order to earn service learning hours, a reflection needs to be turned into a teacher who can input the hours into Power School. You need to address: What did you do? What did you learn? How was this an example of public service?
Learning Standards/Objectives:
We hope that you will see how important it is to get involved with elections and realize how important it is to have a say in our government is run. The young vote is not adequately represented and you can make a difference and make sure that candidates are aware of issues that are important to young people.
Social Studies Standards Performance Indicators: Standard 4: Government and Civics:
Standard 4: Government and Civics
Students learn to achieve civic competence by studying the structures of power, authority, and governance.
AG.4.10: Critique local, state, and national elections, including the following:
• The nomination and election process
• Voter turnout
AG.4.17: Explain the importance of thoughtful and effective participation in civic life, including the following:
• Participating in the political process
• Performing public service
• Keeping informed about current issues
CONTACT PERSON DETAILS
Name: Carlotta Leon Guerrero
Phone: 473-3003
Organization/Agency/Business Name: Ayuda Foundation
