Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose announces the launch of the 2024 Grads Vote Program, a civic engagement initiative designed to assist high school seniors in learning about Ohio's election process, and how they can participate.

The initiative also encourages high school students to become part of the Youth at the Booth program and support elections as Election Day poll workers. 

"These young people have earned one of the most cherished rights of a free society, the right to vote," said Secretary LaRose. "This program helps them learn what that means and shows them how to participate as a voting citizen. I've been especially encouraged by the number of young people signing up to work at the polls on Election Day, and that's a direct result of our recruitment efforts alongside the 88 county boards of elections."

In April, Ohio schools received Grad Votes Packets for graduating high school seniors with information on how to register to vote, a voter registration form, and information on how to serve as an election day poll worker. More than 150,000 packets were sent to 1,198 high schools across the state. 

Aaron Ockerman, Executive Director of the Ohio Association of Election Officials, said that the Ohio Association of Election Officials was proud to support Secretary LaRose's Grads Vote Initiative.

"Few things excite election officials more than seeing young people get engaged in our democracy," said Ockerman. "The Grads Vote Initiative is preparing tomorrow's leaders of democracy today, and we look forward to working with Secretary LaRose to help ensure its success."

Secretary LaRose and his office will begin visiting schools to talk with high school government classes about the Grads Vote program, the importance of civic duty, and the need for the next generation of poll workers.