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Burlington County High School senior Caroline Brinkman is encouraging her peers to register to vote in this upcoming election, saying she's "looking to increase voter turnout dramatically, especially in young voters, (since) we have historically low voter turnout rates.”
Brinkman, who lives in Moorestown, decided to start with a voter registration drive. The 17-year old, who is also the social chair for the Alice Paul Institute’s Girls Leadership Council, is leading her group as they turn to social media to get the word out.
Brinkman said the group will also launch a postcard writing campaign to encourage people around the country to register to vote as well.
Brinkman, who has always had a love of politics and is fascinated by government, described this election as "the most critical election in our lifetime.”
And someone in government heard Brinkman loud and clear when the teen called and asked for help with the registration drive.
“I was so happy to hear about young people getting involved in this and I immediately asked what I could do to support her,” said Moorestown Mayor Nicole Gillespie.
Brinkman, who will be a first time voter this fall, has always been excited about the voting process.
"I've always gone in with my mom when she voted because she thinks that it's such a privilege for women because we fought so long to get the right to vote and I think, using my voice and being a part of that tradition will be super inspiring for me,” Brinkman said.
"Her mom and I are very proud of her. We have always been impressed by her work ethic,” said her father.
The pride Brinkman said she'll feel when she steps inside the voting booth this November is something she hopes others will share too.