It all started with an email:
“Dear Mrs. Collins,
I have recently learned that the voter turnout for midterm elections have been historically low, especially among young voters. A recent poll shows that only 28% of young adults ages 18-29 say that they plan vote in the midterms. I would like to try my best to increase the percentage by making an effort to encourage and educate my schoolmates here at Mount, as well as their families, about fulfilling their civic duties and contributing to the November 6th elections. I have pieced together a project in hopes of spreading the importance of this action to our community and I would greatly appreciate your input and approval to proceed in the coming weeks.
Sincerely,
Payton H”
From there, Mrs. Collins connected Payton with Ms. McLemore, one of the advisors of the Political Action Club (PAC), to move Payton’s ideas forward.
In order to get her peers interested in midterm elections and registering to vote, Payton thought we could have a raffle. Students can take selfies outside their polling place when they go vote or go with their parents (or have their parents take a picture). They’ll send the pictures to a PAC email address to be entered to win donated gift card prizes.
PAC will also hold a special midterms PAC meeting on Tuesday (10/30) and talk about what’s on the ballot in Arkansas, how to find out where you vote, and other election information. During that meeting, they will also make educational flyers to hang around the school.
Payton’s efforts did not go unnoticed. Her story was aired on KTHV news Wednesday, October 24th. Please click this link to see more.
Great job, Payton and PAC!
Mount St. Mary Academy, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, develops young women with a moral and intellectual foundation rooted in Catholic tradition. Mercy-minded and college-prepared, our students meet the future with wisdom, compassion and integrity.