About 40 students at Oak Forest High School participated in a training session to become election judges on January 7, 2024. This initiative, part of a collaboration between the Cook County clerk’s office and the Chicago Bears, aimed to engage young people in the electoral process. The event was particularly significant as it took place just days before the Bears’ playoff game against the Green Bay Packers.
During the training, students gathered around large ballot boxes, excited to learn about their roles in upcoming elections. According to Ryan Nagle, social studies department supervisor for Bremen High School District 228, approximately 30 of the attending students were participating for the first time. He noted a palpable energy in the room, contrasting with typical classroom settings where students may appear disengaged.
The program, named Defenders of DA’Mocracy, trained 150 high school juniors and seniors to serve as election judges during an early voting day on February 26, 2024. This day is dedicated specifically to school faculty, students, and staff who reside in Cook County. Oak Forest High School was one of three schools hosting training sessions, with another session taking place at John Hersey High School in Arlington Heights.
Nagle emphasized the importance of involving young people in the civic process. Historically, youth voter turnout has been low, with data indicating that fewer than 1% of voters aged 18 to 22 participate in municipal elections in Cook County. Edmund Michalowski, Deputy Clerk of Elections, reported that turnout rates for this demographic rise to only 2% to 4% during midterms and remain under 5% during presidential elections.
Students learned essential skills, such as how to encourage peers to register to vote and navigate their voting options. Nagle pointed out that many young people face challenges due to confusing registration processes and a lack of outreach. He stressed, “Knowledge is power; students might not have known about this stuff aside from the general information they learn in civics courses.”
The program also aims to foster discussion at home, encouraging students to share their newfound knowledge with family members. Nagle expressed hope that this engagement could inspire parents to participate in the electoral process as well.
A notable highlight of the training included a speech by Lee Twarling, Senior Vice President of the Chicago Bears, who spoke about the significance of youth involvement in democracy. “It was really cool to have that out here, especially a couple of days before their playoff game,” Nagle remarked.
Upon arrival, each student received a raffle ticket for a chance to win a football signed by D’Andre Swift, a running back for the Bears. Diane Mullins, elections training manager from the Cook County clerk’s office, presented the signed football during the event.
Reflecting on the program’s impact, Nagle noted that discussions about civic engagement were less prevalent over 20 years ago. He mentioned how excited previous participants were to recommend the program to their peers. Each school could nominate only eight students for the program, but those interested in serving as election judges on typical election days were encouraged to seek separate training opportunities.
This pilot initiative not only trains students for their roles as election judges but also promotes voter turnout by providing a dedicated voting day for school staff. “To have them have that option to come down on their lunch and vote, that’s something,” Nagle added.
As the Defenders of DA’Mocracy program continues, it underscores the vital role of young people in shaping the future of democracy. Engaging students today prepares them to be informed voters tomorrow.
