CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2025–2026 REGULAR SESSION

House Resolution
No. 106

Introduced by Assembly Member Elhawary

April 15, 2026

Relative to High School Voter Education Weeks.


LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


HR 106, as introduced, Elhawary.
WHEREAS, The Secretary of State, the chief election officer of the state, is committed to enhancing democracy by promoting voter registration and encouraging participation in all elections among eligible Californians; and
WHEREAS, California’s youth play an important role in the democratic process by contributing their voices to the selection of our leaders and expressing their perspectives on significant issues; and
WHEREAS, Individuals meeting eligibility requirements who are 16 and 17 years of age may preregister to vote and automatically become active voters upon reaching 18 years of age; and
WHEREAS, California high schools are encouraged to support preregistration and voter registration opportunities by providing access to the state’s online voter registration system or by making physical voter registration cards available to eligible students; and
WHEREAS, High school administrators are encouraged to designate student voter outreach coordinators to help promote participation and facilitate civic engagement activities during High School Voter Education Weeks; and
WHEREAS, Students are encouraged to participate in civic life through voter education programs, by serving as election workers, and by motivating eligible peers, family members, and community members to register to vote; and
WHEREAS, With the 2026 general election approaching, students are also encouraged to participate in the 2026 California Student Mock Election, a statewide program that provides hands-on experience with the electoral process; and
WHEREAS, California is home to nearly 4,300 high schools serving more than 2,000,000 students statewide, and since the launch of preregistration in 2016, nearly 1,500,000 students have preregistered to vote, resulting in more than 1,300,000 eligible voters; and
WHEREAS, Pursuant to Senate Bill 955 (Chapter 921 of the Statutes of 2022), students in grades 6 to 12, inclusive, may receive one excused absence each year to participate in a civic or political event with prior notice to their school; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, That the Assembly and the Secretary of State, Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., encourage all California high schools to participate in High School Voter Education Weeks, occurring September 14 to 25, 2026; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.