Morro Bay High School wins the first high school voter registration contest in San Luis Obispo County

Morro Bay High School was announced Monday as the winner of the first high school voter registration contest in San Luis Obispo County.

The competition took place September 16-27 as part of the California Secretary of State’s High School Voter Education Weeks initiative. According to Erin Clausen, San Luis Obispo Clerk-Recorder Public Information Specialist, Morro Bay High School registered 28 percent of eligible voters.

Morro Bay High School was awarded a trophy and a check for $250. Due to the good participation, the competition now takes place every two years.

Of the six competing high schools, 560 students registered to vote.

The League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County and the San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder’s Office collaborated to conduct the contest.

This year’s contest also encouraged students ages 16 and 17 to pre-register to vote, leading to a broader effort, said Julie Rodewald, director of voter services for the League of Women Voters in San Luis Obispo County.

Morro Bay High School government and economics teacher Laura Van Zee has been working to register eligible students since 2017, but the statewide competition has sparked a new wave of motivation for students, Van Zee said.

“As a teacher and someone who is passionate about government, I can teach and empower these kids,” Van Zee said. “But it just means so much more if it doesn’t happen [from] the teacher, [but] from an external source.”

Van Zee ensured her students’ success by devoting class time to voter registration. She employed her current students to reach those who were harder to reach, such as students taking summer government and economics courses.

The best part of the experience was her students’ excitement about the achievement and the recognition, Van Zee said.

“I think it was still a really positive thing to acknowledge,” Van Zee said. “Our community sees the steps [students are] take.”

All participating high schools had the opportunity to invite the League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County to speak with students. Morro Bay High School jumped at the opportunity, Clausen said.

Members explained the importance of voting, the election process and how to be an informed voter. They also directed students to resources to learn more about candidates and policies, Rodewald said.

“We really try to encourage [students] to start the habit early and be one of those eternal voters,” Rodewald said. “It is an important part of United States citizenship.”