Katie Hobbs encourages Valley students to register to vote

PHOENIX – Arizona’s top elections official spent Tuesday afternoon encouraging students to participate in the democratic process as part of National Voter Registration Day.

During an event at South Mountain High School in Phoenix, Secretary of State Katie Hobbs said it was important for young people to learn about registration well before they are old enough to vote for the first time.

“I think it’s really critical that we’re reaching young students so that they know that they can preregister to vote and they know the requirements so that they can be ready to engage at the first election they’re eligible to do so,” she told KTAR News 92.3 FM.

Events were held at high schools and colleges across the Valley with the goal of registering students who will be at least 18 years old by the Nov. 3, 2020, elections.

“The earlier people start to vote … it builds that lifelong habit of voting,” Hobbs said.

“And I think the more folks that we can have participating in the process, the better that is for everybody and for our democracy.”

Hobbs said getting the message out early was key because potential voters often don’t engage with the process until it’s close to election time and risk missing registration deadlines.

“If we can put it on their radar well ahead of time, then they’re tuned in and they know it’s required, and they’re prepared to participate,” she said.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Griselda Zetino contributed to this report.

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