Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Voter Registration topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Polk County schools credited after high‑school voter registration more than doubles
Summary
Polk County and its Supervisor of Elections office said a shift to classroom‑based voter registration and an educational video helped increase eligible student registrations from 529 to 1,355 this year; Lake Region High recorded 249 registrations and Fort Me Middle Senior High reached a 72% eligible‑student registration rate.
Polk County officials on June 9 credited an intentional, classroom‑focused voter registration effort for a sharp increase in high‑school student sign‑ups.
A representative of the Polk County Supervisor of Elections office, speaking to the school board, said the district’s high‑school registration program produced 529 transactions in 2024–25 and 1,355 transactions this year — an increase of more than 150%. The office moved from cafeteria‑style registration events to classroom presentations, established dedicated school contacts and produced an instructional video to explain eligibility and the registration process, the official said. "Registration opens the door, but participation is what gives every citizen a voice," the elections representative said.
Jeff Hancock, Polk County Schools’ senior director of science and social studies, and Supervisor of Elections staff credited the program’s design and school partnerships for the results. Lake Region High School recorded the highest total number of eligible student registrations with an outstanding 249 forms; Fort Me Middle Senior High reported the highest percentage of eligible students registered at 72%.
The Supervisor of Elections office said those district‑level changes — combined with quizzes and classroom reinforcement — helped students understand eligibility and the timing of registration. The office’s work with the district earned a 2025 Clearing House Award from a national election administration body.
Board members praised the partnership. Board member Wyatt said the changes made the program “more upfront, in‑your‑face” and credited district leadership and school staff for embracing the new approach. Board member Keys and others said they expect registration totals to grow further as the district expands the model.
What’s next: board members took photos and congratulated schools and students in the meeting; Superintendent Frederick Hyde and district staff will continue collaboration with the Supervisor of Elections office on civic engagement outreach.
