PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Hundreds of Philadelphia high school students took over the City Hall courtyard Wednesday for a youth voter registration drive.
City Councilmember Kendra Brooks organized the event. She decided last year to celebrate her birthday with a youth voter registration drive, so this year, she got the Philadelphia School District, City Commissioners and a host of youth engagement organizations to join in.
“It’s very important that we get our kids engaged, and why not do it in a fun way,” she said. “In order for our democracy to continue, we need young folks to participate, and it doesn’t have to be boring and drawn out.”
Some 200 juniors and seniors came as a field trip from nine different schools. They got swag and enjoyed music by DJ Diamond Kuts and also received a civics lesson that included tours of City Hall and the chance to register to vote.
Kamryn Davis, Philly regional organizer of PA Youth Vote, said more than 100 students who are 18 or will turn 18 before Nov. 7 filled out registration forms.
“A lot of the students — I think it’s the energy in this space — are really excited to register to vote,” she said. “They’re making that connection between the issues that they care about and the power of their vote.”
The students had different reasons for registering:
“Because I don’t want our country run by a horrible person.”
“This part of my life, moving into adulthood.”
“Just to make sure everyone’s in a safe space in a safe world.”
Some had no reason at all:
“I just want to vote.”