Cook County Clerk’s Visit Highlights Student Engagement in Early Voting

Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon visited Oak Park and River Forest High School to engage with student election judges during an early voting event on Thursday. This initiative, known as a ‘Teen Takeover for Democracy,’ allows suburban high schools to serve as early voting sites. Both students and faculty living in Cook County have the chance to vote ahead of the November 3 midterm election.

Five trained student election judges participated in the event. Monica Gordon expressed her gratitude towards them, highlighting their role in shaping the future generation of voters. She emphasized transforming the term ‘teen takeover’ into a positive reflection of students’ efforts. ‘I wanted to come out and thank the election judges because we can’t do this without them,’ Gordon noted. ‘Seeing students participate and serve as election judges is incredible.’

An OPRF junior, Elliott Mayeda, was among the election judges. He joined the event for its educational value, seeing it as an extension of his civics class. ‘Voting is a civic duty,’ Mayeda remarked. ‘People need to step up, vote for who they believe in, and contribute to change.’

Another election judge, Olivia Smith, expressed her interest in understanding the election process, despite not being of voting age. ‘I thought it would be a cool opportunity,’ said Smith.

Senior Emerson Carizey was particularly excited to cast her vote with the help of student judge Londyn Gordon. ‘Voting is a way to be part of your community and contribute back,’ Carizey said. ‘Taking a stand, especially during these midterms, is important.’

Carizey’s friend and fellow election judge, Clarabella Croisant, played a role in her voting registration. Having served as an election judge the previous year, Croisant was keen to register as many eligible friends as possible.

The Teen Takeover for Democracy initiative, run with the support of the Chicago Bears, provides students with valuable hands-on experience. They check-in voters, issue ballots, and oversee the voting process. The first event took place before the March primary elections.

Gordon finds it rewarding to see young people engage with the voting process early on. ‘Building trust in this process early on will be something that stays with them,’ she stated. ‘This is about bridging the gap between generations and civic engagement.’

She acknowledged that younger generations may be disconnected from the historical struggles for human rights, including voting. However, events like these energize young people to participate actively. ‘Seeing this gives me hope,’ she remarked, ‘Our future is in good hands.’