(Des Moines) Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate is urging all Iowa high schools to register their eligible students to vote by participating in the prestigious Carrie Chapman Catt Award program, now that the sign-up window has opened as of August 28.
Named after the legendary Iowan who was a national leader in the women’s suffrage movement, the Carrie Chapman Catt program recognizes high schools that support their students in taking the first step toward participation in the election process – registering to vote. Last year alone, nearly 5,000 high school students registered to vote through the program across 60 counties, with 120 schools participating and 62 receiving recognition. Since the program’s launch in 2019, more than 20,000 17- and 18-year olds have registered to vote through the program.
In Iowa, 17-year-olds may register and vote in primaries if they turn 18 by the General Election. State law requires high schools to hold two voter registration drives each year. To help, Secretary of State Paul Pate offers the Carrie Chapman Catt Award program, providing schools with resources like action kits, forms, and promotional materials.
Schools registering 50%, 70%, or 90% of eligible students earn recognition, with those exceeding 90% receiving the Carrie Chapman Catt Award and a trophy. The program has earned national recognition from the Election Assistance Center.
High schools must sign up and submit participation numbers by March 26, 2026 at sos.iowa.gov, where more details and last year’s winners are listed.
