The students said that voting in high school would also combat youth voter apathy while allowing them to participate in local government before leaving the city for college or careers.
"Many 18- to 24-year-olds feel disillusioned already," said CRLS student Patty Pforte. "But we're still in high school and are immersed in issues of the city."
This local interest and involvement would translate into future political activism, proponents said.
"When you are voting on the local level and can really see the effects and consequences of your vote, you are more likely to stay involved," said CRLS student Hannah N. Jukovsky.
The students also said that the high school environment, where teachers could combine voter education with history and government courses, would be more conducive to getting young people interested in political participation.
"People are more likely to vote when they are still in a supportive, structured learning environment," Heintz said.
The students have been meeting since last fall to organize their efforts. Janice Y. Lee, a recent graduate of the Kennedy School of Government who studied youth political involvement, has been advising the group.
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