As many people may know, 2024 is an election year, with Election Day being on Tuesday, November 5. Former president Donald Trump is the Republican presidential nominee, and current Vice President Kamala Harris is the Democratic presidential nominee.
Although not all students can vote, the Tigers Vote Project provides them with with resources to become informed voters.
The project, led by Social Science Teacher and National Honor Society (NHS) Board Moderator Jonathan Tomczak, started in 2020. Its primary goal is to empower NDB students with comprehensive voting information, candidates’ profiles and the importance of informed participation in the electoral process.
“[The project’s motto is] ‘decisions are made by those who show up,’” emphasized Tomczak.
The Tigers Vote Project has contributed significantly to educating students about the 2024 election by issuing a weekly newsletter, updating their website and developing an app. All information within the project is compiled by Tomczak and NHS Board members.
The website functions as a central platform, offering up-to-date information on voting deadlines, required items at voting centers and details about in-person and mail-in voting procedures and resources. This information is not restricted to California but encompasses all 50 states, thereby equipping NDB students with the essential knowledge to participate in the voting process throughout their lives.
Junior Niki Tzartzanis is responsible for overseeing website updates, assigning tasks to NHS Board members, and collaborating with senior Nicole Fong, who is in the process of developing the Tiger Vote Project app.
The app is designed to provide iPhone users with continuous access to the information available on the website, including when they are at the polls, enabling them to make the most informed voting decisions possible. When asked about the purpose of the app, Fong explained how it aims to streamline the process of finding crucial knowledge in a timely manner.
“The app will allow students to easily access and browse through the information without having to use their computer,” explained Fong. “This makes it really convenient, especially when you’re offline.”
Another way the Tigers Vote project has helped educate students was by hosting the annual mock election. This year, it was held on Tuesday, October 8, offering first-time voters and future voters an opportunity to gain insight into the voting process, including the candidates and propositions that will be on the 2024 California ballot.
However, the mock election is not the sole method for students to actively engage in learning about propositions, which are concerns and proposals presented by California citizens.
The Tigers Vote Project offers weekly newsletters and within them, videos known as prop talks, featuring students explaining California ballot propositions and providing insight into the pros and cons of each proposition. This enables them to make more informed decisions in the mock election and the general election. Each newsletter also includes a trivia quiz, with the winner receiving a gift card, thereby encouraging students to become knowledgeable about historical facts related to the U.S. election and candidates.
This new feature has proven to be a valuable addition to the project, as current and future voters have found it to be an excellent resource for education on current topics and potential changes in California policies, even for students who are unable to vote in this year’s election. Freshman August Kelly, winner of the second trivia quiz, emphasized the significance of this project from the perspective of a future voter.
“I think it’s a really good idea to get involved earlier with it [voting],” said Kelly. “I think emphasizing the importance of voting and this kind of system is really important for students and younger kids to know what’s going on and know that they’ll be doing this in the future.”
The project has proven to be beneficial not only for future voters but also for current 18-year-old students in alleviating apprehensions associated with voting.
“The Tigers Vote Project helps me combat these nerves as it provides exact and clear information regarding voting and allows me to feel more confident about the process, especially as it is my first time,” said Senior Kalea Solano.
The Tigers Vote Project has played a crucial role in educating students about the electoral process, candidates, and propositions, empowering them to become informed and engaged voters. Through initiatives such as the mock election, prop talks and the development of a dedicated app driven by Tomczak and the NHS board, the project has provided valuable resources for current voters and laid the foundation for future generations to participate in the voting process. The project’s impact on students, from combatting voting nerves to inspiring early involvement, underscores its significance in shaping a more politically conscious and active youth.
