In pivotal states, educators are guiding youth to make informed choices at the polls and encouraging them to register to vote amidst a highly contentious presidential election season.

To gain insight into Election Day preparations in classrooms across the nation, YSL News spoke with various school staff about their efforts on campus.

For instance, an assistant principal in Las Vegas is registering high school seniors to vote and motivating them to assist at the polls on November 5. Meanwhile, a social science teacher in Philadelphia is educating his students about candidates’ views on critical issues such as abortion, climate change, immigration, and the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Additionally, a civics teacher in North Carolina is enlightening younger students about campaign financing, political action committees, and propaganda.

Registering First-Time Voters in Las Vegas and Encouraging Poll Work

At a charter school in Las Vegas, many eligible seniors are gearing up to vote this November, thanks to Erik Van Houten, an assistant principal and American history teacher at Equipo Academy.

Van Houten aims to foster civic engagement among young people, acting as a teacher and field registrar with the Clark County Election Department.

Each year, he identifies students who are eligible to vote and encourages them to register. To make sure students, their families, and staff have adequate time to cast their votes, Van Houten advocated for the school to have Election Day off.

His efforts were successful.

“The principal supported the idea, included it in our proposed schedule, and our board approved it,” he shared.

On November 5, some students from his school will assist at the Clark County polling sites instead of attending classes.

“Almost all our students speak Spanish, which makes them incredibly valuable at polling locations,” he noted.

Teaching Students to Vote for Candidates Who Share Their Values

In South Philadelphia, social science instructor Charlie McGeehan guides his students to evaluate how the values of presidential candidates align with theirs.

He emphasizes researching candidates’ positions on reproductive rights, climate action, immigration, and the conflict with Israel and Hamas, as these issues resonate strongly with his students.

McGeehan believes it’s essential for his students to access accurate information.

A key part of his teaching involves helping students distinguish between facts and promotional content, given the overwhelming exposure to campaign materials in their battleground state.

He has motivated eligible students to register and organized a field trip to a local youth voting rally.

“I admire how my students approach issues and their perspectives on the world,” he stated. “It’s vital for their voices to be heard and represented—not just because they are the future but because they offer significant insights right now.”

Lessons on Political Propaganda and Campaign Spending for Future Voters

In nearly every class, Frank Felicelli’s civics students spend about 10 minutes examining the latest election polls. He teaches sophomores and freshmen at a public school in Hillsborough, North Carolina.

This year, Felicelli’s curriculum includes topics like the Electoral College, campaign financing, and political propaganda.

His aim is to spark an interest in elections among younger students, many of whom lack awareness about the country’s political landscape.

“The overall competitive side of the election seems to intrigue them,” he noted, which sometimes helps him engage them.

“I prioritize presenting fair and balanced information to keep them invested,” he remarked. “My students are unaware of my political beliefs.”

Additional Preparations for Election Day

It’s essential that high school students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be engaged citizens, stated Tom Bailey, the president of Teachers College at Columbia University.

Educators are responsible for fostering an environment that supports meaningful discussions and differing viewpoints regarding the election, especially during this charged period, he emphasized.

“Adults are struggling to discuss these issues,” he added.

He emphasized the importance for educators to establish an effective environment, aiming to lay the foundation for a “strong democracy” in the years to come.