Cape seniors gear up to vote

Cape Henlopen High School seniors learned about current voting technology and the importance of voting April 1 and 2, when the Sussex County League of Women Voters coordinated with the Sussex County Department of Elections to bring demonstration election machines into the classroom.

Working with the Department of Elections as part of its voter education and outreach program, trained league members met with 12 social studies classes each day.

Cape teachers Dennis Arden and Bridget Marshall invited the league volunteers into all of their senior classes, reaching more than 400 students over the two days. The Department of Elections provided three demonstration election machines for the students to learn about and use the technology, while league members led a presentation on the history and importance of exercising their right to vote.

In addition to visiting Cape, members of the league’s Voter Service Committee visited Indian River, Milford, Seaford, Woodbridge and Sussex Academy high schools during March and April. ”Our high school outreach only works due to all the assistance and support we receive from the faculty and administration,” said Lynette Brown, voter service co-chair. “Each high school is unique, and the program is tailored to each school.”

To date, more than 40 local league volunteers have trained and earned certificates as temporary voter registrars.

“Our mission to defend democracy and empower voters is perfectly aligned with the [organized voter registration program],” said Brown. The Department of Elections is committed to providing Delaware citizens with access to trusted and accurate voter information and educational opportunities to ensure that every eligible Delaware voter has the opportunity to exercise their right to vote.