Ahead of November elections, New Orleans schools help eligible students register to vote

With November elections fast approaching, New Orleans-area schools are urging students to register to vote.

This week, the Orleans Parish School Board will consider a resolution that encourages schools to partner with organizations offering voter registration information and early-voting services. Tuesday is recognized as National Voter Registration Day.

Meanwhile, local schools are hosting voter-registration events and a nonprofit is visiting area high schools to educate students about the importance of voting and how the process works. Students can register to vote at age 16 in Louisiana, but must be 18 to vote.

KIPP New Orleans is one of the charter school operators helping eligible students learn how to vote. Cerise Martin, the organization’s director of governmental relations and community engagement, said the biggest barrier for students often is just knowing how to navigate the process.

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