Get Out the Teen Vote

The statistics are dismal: less than 50% of the 18-year-olds are registered to vote--and fewer than 4 out of 10 registered voters cast a ballot in the midterms. And yet, teens with special needs rely on government programs in order to live their best lives. So how do we teach them about empowerment through their vote?

Transition 2 Life and Daily Living Skills narrated PowerPoint presentation, "Get Out the Vote," provides a non-partisan lesson on the importance of voting and what that vote does for the student. Also provided is a follow-up packet with lessons on how to vote and the powers of each branch and level of government in a clear and easy-to-access format.

Democracy depends on citizen participation, and informed participation is the difference between a good and failing government. YOU are the last stop before adulthood for many of your students. Let's do all we can to encourage the next generation to become involved, informed citizens. Please feel free to pass this lesson onto any colleagues who might benefit from the materials.