On Thursday, senior Charlie Savage organized what he said was the first voter-registration drive at ConVal High School. The event was paired with the senior breakfast, so students could eat and register for their first presidential election among their final moments at ConVal.

“I think civic involvement is very important, especially in government,” Savage said. “In the State of New Hampshire, voter registration rates for 18- to 23-year-olds are actually the lowest in the entire country, so this is essentially a big issue. I personally know a lot of people who aren't registered to vote and I believe it's very important, when you turn 18, to register and do your civic duty.”

Senior Laura Phillips was proud to register.

“The next election is quite scary, and I want to use the most power that I have, which is my vote,” she said. “Voting is important because it’s sort of the way that we practice being a good citizen and an active citizen. No matter which way you vote, it’s just a way to participate in democracy.” 

Getting young people such as Phillips involved one of Savage’s points in organizing the event.

“In our representative democracy, having people who are young and having a different perspective than a lot of the people who might be older or middle-aged, it really brings a new perspective to a lot of different issues,” he said.”

Even after he graduates, Savage hopes to keep the event going next year.

“I have enlisted four junior volunteers who, hopefully, can carry on the tradition. If not themselves, at least spread the word to other people. I would like to see it continue and maybe I could continue it in a different place, if that’s something that opens its door to me,” he said.