In Washington, DC, Vice President Kamala Harris held a meeting with leaders in voting rights on February 27, in the Indian Treaty Room of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, focusing on boosting voter registration nationwide. During this session, Harris introduced a comprehensive plan aimed at encouraging student participation in voter registration efforts.
Highlighting a new approach under the federal work-study program, Harris explained that students could now earn through this program by registering voters and serving as non-partisan poll workers. This initiative not only aims to involve young individuals in the democratic process but also addresses the declining number of poll workers, which has become a pressing issue in recent election cycles.
This move aligns with a recent clarification from the Department of Education regarding the use of Federal Work Study (FWS) funds for voter registration activities, emphasizing the department’s commitment to civic engagement without aligning with specific political interests or groups, the Daily Mail reported.
Vice President Harris emphasized the dual benefits of this strategy: fostering a sense of civic duty among students and alleviating the shortage of poll workers. She has been at the forefront of voter registration efforts since 2021, developing a four-part strategy to engage federal agencies in enhancing voter access as the 2024 elections approach.
Among the initiatives Harris announced were plans to provide voting information to Americans enrolled in the Affordable Care Act, set up voter registration displays at national parks, and offer similar resources at Social Security offices across the country. These efforts are part of a broader agenda to ensure that every citizen can exercise their right to vote without obstacles.
Harris also addressed the concerning trend of threats and violence against poll workers, particularly highlighting incidents in Georgia after the 2020 presidential election. She criticized attempts to undermine the electoral process and emphasized the importance of protecting the integrity of elections and the safety of those who facilitate the democratic process.