A significant highlight from the recent Joint Subcommittee Meeting in Texas was the impressive success of the Student Election Clerks Program, which aims to engage high school students in the voting process. This year, the program saw a remarkable 500% increase in applications, with students from every Austin Independent School District (AISD) high school eager to participate.

The initiative allows students aged 16 and older to earn $20 an hour while working at polling locations, fostering a culture of civic engagement among the youth. Despite the overwhelming interest, only a fraction of applicants could be selected, underscoring the program's popularity and the need for more opportunities.

In addition to the program's success, students from Bailey Middle School contributed creatively by designing "I Voted" stickers, which were distributed at polling sites, further enhancing the voting experience. The committee emphasized the importance of educating young people about the voting process in a nonpartisan manner, aiming to improve voter turnout in Travis County, which has seen high registration levels but lower participation rates.

Looking ahead, the committee discussed plans for future meetings and agenda items, including a legislative update and transparency improvements to ensure the committee's work is more visible to the public. The meeting concluded with a call for continued collaboration and a commitment to fostering civic engagement among the next generation.