Secretary of State Sam Reed tours state colleges on Civics Tour to encourage young voters

Secretary of State Sam Reed with college students
Photo courtesy Office of the Secretary of State

Before he retires in January, Secretary of State Sam Reed plans to go back to college – many colleges, actually.

Beginning April 9, Reed will visit a total of 45 campuses statewide, stretching from Bellingham to Vancouver, and from Aberdeen to Pullman, encouraging students to vote and become more engaged in their communities. Reed also will emphasize civility in politics and society.

"The college civics tour is always fun for me and students, and it's a great way to help get them more interesting in voting and being involved," Reed said. "I really look forward to visiting campuses across the state."

On Tuesday, April 10, Shoreline Community College was on his itinerary, along with North Seattle Community College, Edmonds Community College, University of Washington Bothell/Cascadia Community College, Bellevue College. and TESC Tacoma.

Reed took part in campus activities and discussions with students to encourage the state’s youngest voters to participate in elections.

"With so many key races and issues on this year’s ballot, students need to understand why voting is important, and they need to realize their collective voice is powerful when they exercise it through voting and being involved in their community," Reed said. "A major reason why I do this tour is to explain to students why their vote makes a difference and tell them simple ways to be more civically engaged."

Voters ages 18-24 comprise only about 5 percent of the state's population that voted in the 2010 General Election. Those 65 and over made up 24 percent of the voter turnout in 2010, followed by ages 55-64 (23 percent), ages 45-54 (21 percent), ages 35-44 (15 percent) and ages 25-34 (11 percent).

However, 68 percent of registered voters ages 18-24 voted in the 2008 General Election, compared to just 45 percent in 2000. Reed considers that a very positive sign.

"I've been encouraged to see a larger percentage of younger people voting, and I hope this year they will continue that trend,” Reed said. “Younger voters are just as impacted by what their government does as older generations. I want them to understand that the best way to bring about change is through their ballot."