<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2EGcoN_1FMpjmmz00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2EGcoN_1FMpjmmz00" width="1174" height="660" >ROUND ROCK, Texas — A Round Rock High School junior is leading a voter registration drive aimed at helping eligible students register and become more involved in the civic process.With the Nov. 3 election approaching, Shripoorn Kulkarni organized the drive through the Austin Youth Coalition after noticing that many of his classmates did not understand how government decisions affect their schools and community. The drive is scheduled for Sept. 22 and 23 at 4:30 p.m. in front of Round Rock High School’s main building. The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 5.The coalition is partnering with the League of Women Voters of Williamson County to assist students who are eligible to register, including those who will be 18 by Election Day. Organizers said Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan is anticipated to attend both days, along with the president of the League of Women Voters. Chuy’s and Sangam Chettinad are also supporting the event by providing food.“We noticed that a lot of the youth from Round Rock High School weren’t as engaged with the civic programs,” Kulkarni said. “They weren’t interested, and they didn’t understand the importance of taking action and voting for what they think is right.”According to data from The Civics Center, as of May 5, 38% of 18-year-olds are registered to vote in Texas. As of March 28, 55% of 18-year-olds were registered to vote in Williamson County, Texas, compared with 89% of residents age 45 and older.Kulkarni said the Austin Youth Coalition works to educate students about current events, elections and opportunities to participate in the political process, including serving as poll workers. Its goal is not simply to register students but to help them become informed voters.“You cannot vote just based on feelings. You must know what you're voting for. I would rather have less people vote who know what they're voting for,” Kulkarni said. “But I would also say that that is why we are here, to educate more people so that in turn, more people can vote for what they want.”Kulkarni said local government decisions are especially important because city officials make decisions that can shape parks, public spaces, recreation centers and public safety services that students use every day. An interview he conducted with Mayor Craig Morgan reinforced the importance of learning about candidates and their plans for the city, he said.“Being able to go in and vote for political candidates that you want on board, to get the things that you want in your school and your community, is really important,” Kulkarni said. “Students must start to get engaged in voting as soon as possible.”Through speaking with his peers at school, Kulkarni found that students often become more interested in government once they learn how candidates and policies could affect them personally.“That’s their first step into becoming a voter,” he said. “They need to know what’s going on. That information allows them to gain that interest and then come in and vote.”After Kulkarni promoted the drive over the school’s intercom, he said students stopped him in the hallways to ask when and where it would be held. “I do expect at least 60 or 70 students to come get registered,” Kulkarni said. “I always tell them there will be food. Of course, students love food.”Kulkarni said young people who believe one vote will not matter should remember that their voices can carry more weight when they become informed, attend community meetings and vote together.“Voting is not just a right. It’s a duty,” Kulkarni said.</div></body>

Block Source: CBS Austin

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ROUND ROCK, Texas — A Round Rock High School junior is leading a voter registration drive aimed at helping eligible students register and become more involved in the civic process. With the Nov. 3 election approaching, Shripoorn Kulkarni organized the drive through the Austin Youth Coalition after noticing that...

Round Rock High School junior leads student voter registration drive

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ROUND ROCK, Texas — A Round Rock High School junior is leading a voter registration drive aimed at helping eligible students register and become more invol

Round Rock High School junior leads student voter registration drive

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