YouthVote is a civic engagement initiative aimed at making elections and San Francisco's local government relevant and accountable to young people.

Full Fall 2008 Student Survey Report!
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YouthVote's Components
About the initiative's four major components
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Information for Students
Getting involved in the mock election, Student Delegate elections, and more.
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Information for Teachers
Translated documents, curriculum, multimedia, and general support.
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Information for political campaigns and candidates
How your campaign can participate in the mock election.
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YouthVote Results
All Results Archives

More About YouthVote's Components

   Mock Election Students learn about and vote upon propositions and candidates on that season's real-world ballot. Through the classroom curriculum as well as youth-oriented political forums, it is our hope that students will emerge from high school as informed citizens prepared for a lifetime of civic engagement. YouthVote results are released in advance of the general election to voters, government entities, and campaigns. This process allows for students to impact the political process.

Student Delegate Election

High school students are given the opportunity to directly elect one of their peers to serve as the Student Delegate on the San Francisco Board of Education. The Student Delegate can introduce new policies to the Board of Education, casts advisory votes on all issues, and is expected to consistently voice the concerns of students. This gives students the opportunity to directly elect a public official before turning 18, while in turn the Student Delegate can use the student survey data to inform their position.

Student Survey

High school students are surveyed each year about their experiences in San Francisco. By accurately surveying students on relevant issues, youth provide substantive feedback regarding their needs and possible solutions. The Youth Commission, Student Advisory Council, and other organizations use the survey instrument to guide substantive policy, programmatic, and budgetary recommendations on behalf of youth.

Voter Registration

Following four years of YouthVote, students are encouraged to register to vote at the end of their senior year. We hope that students will grow into adults that cherish and utilize their right to vote and use that power for the good of their community.

Contact Us

Please contact our YouthVote Coordinator at any time regarding any aspect of the program.

Peter Lauterborn

(415) 554-6464

youthvote@sfgov.org

City Hall, room 3451

 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place

San Francisco, CA 94102-4532