Ready for the Primaries!

I hate Sundays. Something about how it ends the week off and starts a new one rubs me the wrong way. But last Sunday, I couldn't have been happier.

To understand why, let's rewind real quick.

The 2024 presidential primaries have already begun, with the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary setting the tone for the election season.

As Ohio is preparing for its primaries, MasonVotes is also gearing up for a busy election season.

Just last Sunday, we hosted our first workshop at the Mason Public Library to get young voters ready and pumped for the primaries.

Colorful markers were scattered on the carpet as participants created their own campaign posters. Eager voices filled the enclosed space, asking thought-provoking questions and discussing candidate profiles. To be in a space packed with energy, excitement, and civic discourse - I couldn't be happier on a Sunday afternoon.

RECAP: At our February workshop, participants ...

• learned why voting matters

• gained an understanding of Ohio voting laws - specifically, the stricter photo ID law as of last April 2023

• created a personalized voting plan - planning ahead (voting method, transportation, ID) so voting on Election Day goes a lot smoother

• filled out a sample ballot - simulating what would happen on Election Day

• created a personal campaign poster - discussing their values, beliefs, and stances on issues

The political world can be daunting to students - but that's why we host these in-person workshops. We aim to directly equip voters with the knowledge and skillset necessary to navigate the complex political landscape.

Through peer collaboration and immersive activities, we help students realize political engagement is not "something scary" - but a tool to shape the community you live in. 10 years down the line, we all hope to live in a community governed by laws that we support - ones that align with our beliefs and values.

So, with that in mind, let's bring the vote to the youth!