Preserving

Democracy

The Problem

With election misinformation on the rise, civic education on the decline, and increasing attempts to limit voter access and rights, it is imperative that we reduce barriers to electoral participation, and offer ways for our citizenry to get engaged and excited about democratic participation. In Allegheny County, over 70% of 18 year olds still need to register in order to be able to vote this year, and youth voter turnout significantly lags behind overall voter turnout.

Our Vision

Ensuring equitable and accessible elections is one key to a healthy democracy. We know that early civic engagement leads to a lifetime of electoral participation, and there is a huge opportunity in the Pittsburgh region to activate and engage young voters, particularly high school-age voters. We envision a region where voting is accessible, and all voters have what they need to make informed decisions and contribute to our democracy.

What We’re Doing

NCJW Pittsburgh has worked to register voters through many election cycles in an effort to help increase voter turnout. Our current work is focused on engaging first-time high school voters as a way for young people to have their voices heard and to amplify the issues they are concerned about, and on reducing barriers to voting for young, and all voters. We work in coalition to support teen leader-driven peer-to-peer voter registration and civic engagement. We also promote the Allegheny County Student Poll Worker program as a way to give students an in-depth peek into the voting process and get paid in the process on a day they are already out of school.  And, we work in coalition to ensure that youth and other historically marginalized communities in our region show up at the polls.

How You Can Help

  • Join us by Taking Action on key advocacy priorities

  • Talk with your peers and young people in your life about why their vote matters

  • Ensure that you, and your friends and family are registered to vote, and vote in every election

  • Encourage teens in your life to participate in the Allegheny Youth Vote Huddle in September (look for details coming soon!)

  • Become a poll worker - support democracy and earn money!

  • Donate to support youth civic engagement in our region

  • Support efforts to ensure voter access - sign up for our mailing list to stay informed!

Other Resources

Our Partners