Piscataway High School students learned about their civic rights and responsibilities at the school’s voter registration drive on Oct. 3! The event was held in partnership with RU Ready, a program at the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University. Rutgers and PHS students worked together to register new voters ahead of November’s New Jersey gubernatorial election.

They also highlighted the many political offices on the ballot and ways young people can stay civically engaged beyond voting. A key focus of the event was helping students apply to serve as poll workers on Election Day, an opportunity to take part directly in the democratic process. Students received RU Ready voter-themed merchandise and pocket Constitutions as reminders of their rights and responsibilities.

To make the day both educational and fun, Rutgers students also conducted a poll on whether 16-year-olds should be allowed to vote. PHS students narrowly approved, with 51% voting “yes.”

“We look forward to our continued partnership with Rutgers and welcoming them back in the spring for our RU Ready Civics Fair," said PHS social studies teacher Ryan Wernlund.