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The League of Women Voters of the Morristown Area don’t try to influence people to back particular parties or candidates nor do they express their opinions on issues.
Instead, the LWM, a non-partisan political organization founded in 1919, has very clear and basic objectives: To encourage voting and involvement in government.
“We believe that informed, engaged citizens can affect public policy,” said Peg Warshaw, the LWM Government Issues chairperson and a frequent visitor to area high schools to register young voters. “Our democracy is stronger when more people can participate and have their voices heard.”
Warshaw and Judith Woop, this area’s women, gender and families chair, stopped at Boonton High School in the fall of 2023 as part of the “Energizing Young Voters Program.”
Woop feels that “the youth of today are the future of tomorrow and, by understanding the power of the vote, and registering to vote in every election, they will have the ability to build a better future for themselves.”
The LWV initiative, according to Woop, provides students with the tools to navigate the voting process, register on site at their home school, assist them with registration forms and become more informed about candidates and issues important to them by using QR codes provided by the LWV.
Some of the questions students may be asked are:
- Are you registered to vote?
- Do you have a plan for voting?
- Can we help you find out more about your voting district, voting by mail, local candidates and current issues?
- Do you believe everyone should have the right to vote?
- Are you concerned with the environment and climate change?
- Are you assured of honesty and transparency in government?
In addition, young prospective voters may be asked about why their town doesn’t have a skate park, about the possibility of a cannabis shop or bright lights and noise associated with a pickle ball court.
“If you don’t agree with decisions being made by town officials, remember, did you vote for them?” Warshaw said. “Will you vote for them again?”
Woop noted that students aren’t always aware that there is some type of election every year or that they can vote for board of education members.
Another reason for their stops at schools and colleges is to help fill out voter registration forms. Woop noted that they respond to questions about party affiliation (it can be changed at any time) and that an affiliation is only required to vote in a primary.
BHS senior Joseph Hart took advantage of LWV’s lunchtime visit and registered. He turned 18 last month, just in time for the 2024 Presidential Election.
“I registered because I want my voice to be heard,” Hart said. “I don’t want to be too loud or quiet about it. Voting makes you feel like you’re contributing to something important. I’m going to try and keep myself informed.”
Mr. Hurd, who teaches American Government, Law and Politics at BHS, ticked off numerous reasons why people should vote and, just like the LWV representatives, mentioned the importance of “speaking” through the polls.
“The most important reason citizens should exercise their right to vote is to have a voice in our democracy, both nationally and locally,” Hurd said. “Although your preferred candidate may not win, you participated and can still advocate for what you believe in.”
A drivers license or permit and the last four digits of a social security number are needed in order to fill out an application.
PLEASE NOTE: This story, which has been updated, originally ran in December 2023.
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