Cook County Initiative Encourages Youth Participation in Voting Process

Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon visited Oak Park and River Forest High School to support student election judges. The school hosted an early voting event for both employees and students. This initiative is known as the “Teen Takeover for Democracy.” It transforms suburban high schools into early voting sites. This gives eligible students and faculty in Cook County the chance to vote in the upcoming November 3 midterm election.

Gordon expressed her gratitude to the students, highlighting their role in shaping the future generation of voters. She aimed to change the term ‘teen takeover’ from negative to positive by acknowledging the contributions of OPRF students. “I wanted to come out and thank the election judges because we can’t do this without them,” Gordon said. “To see students serve as election judges and vote in the election is amazing to me.”

Elliott Mayeda, a junior at OPRF, shared that a teacher chose him and other election judges for this event. He viewed it as a learning opportunity linked to his current civics class. Beyond education, Mayeda felt participating was crucial, calling voting a “civic duty of citizens.” He remarked, “It’s hard for people to fight for change if they’re not going to step up and do their part and vote for who they believe in, and do their even small part to help fight for their beliefs.”

Another election judge, Olivia Smith, expressed her intrigue about the election process, even though she can’t vote yet. She found the opportunity appealing.

Senior Emerson Carizey eagerly looked forward to voting. She said, “I think voting is a way to be part of your community and contribute back to the public. I think it’s good to take a stand, especially during these midterms, because I think it’s very difficult right now.” Her friend Clarabella Croisant assisted her in registering to vote. Croisant, experienced from serving as an election judge last year, aimed to help as many friends register as possible.

The Teen Takeover for Democracy program, a collaboration with the Chicago Bears, allows students to manage voter check-ins, issue ballots, and supervise the voting process. The first installment of this program was introduced before the primary elections in March.

Gordon found it rewarding to see students engaging in voting early in their lives. She believes that fostering interest in this process early helps build trust and leaves a lasting impact on the students. She stated, “This is what keeps me up at night — wondering how do we create that bridge between the next generation and civic engagement, and this is it. Participation at work; I’m seeing it with my own eyes.”

Gordon acknowledged that younger generations might be disconnected from the historical struggles for human rights, like voting. However, events like this aim to involve youth and influence future outcomes. “Seeing this gives me so much hope, so much hope that they’re in good hands,” she concluded.