Students Compete in Voter Education Edition of Family Feud

On September 23, 2023, students at the Academy for Academic Excellence in Apple Valley, California, participated in an engaging civic education event titled “High School Family Feud: Voter Education Edition.” Hosted by the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters, this initiative aimed to enhance students’ understanding of the voting process as part of the National High School Voter Education Weeks, taking place from September 15 to 26.

In front of an audience that included peers and local dignitaries, two teams of five students each vied for knowledge-based supremacy in a format inspired by the popular game show. The teams, known as “Team Founding Feuders” from the AP Government class and “The AAElectors” from the AP History class, answered questions derived from a survey of 100 participants regarding elections and civic engagement.

The interactive game encouraged students to engage with critical concepts surrounding voting, including the eligibility requirements and the importance of civic responsibility. While participants must be at least 18 years old to vote, 16- and 17-year-olds can preregister, with their registrations activating upon reaching voting age.

Joani Finwall, the Registrar of Voters for San Bernardino County, praised the initiative, stating, “Our younger generations shape the future of our communities, and seeing their eagerness to engage in a fun way on a complicated topic was wonderful.” She emphasized the program’s role in preparing students for future voting, allowing them to make informed choices. Finwall awarded the winning team, Team Founding Feuders, with a special recognition for their performance during the event.

The last two weeks of September and April are nationally designated as High School Voter Education Weeks. These periods provide an opportunity for high schools to collaborate with local election officials to promote civic engagement among students. This event marked the second installation of the “High School Family Feud: Voter Education Edition,” following a successful pilot program at Rialto High School in 2022.

Chet Richards, Principal of the Academy for Academic Excellence, noted the increasing curiosity among students about democracy. “The Registrar of Voters’ program combined learning with fun, and a game show was the perfect way to make elections feel approachable,” Richards said. He highlighted how the event not only educated students but also motivated them to become active voters in the future.

Looking ahead, the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters plans to expand this program to additional schools, aiming to reach more students across the county during future Voter Education Weeks. This initiative underscores the importance of fostering civic knowledge and engagement among the youth, equipping them with the tools needed for active participation in their democracy.

For more information on upcoming election dates, voting methods, and registration details, visit Elections.SBCounty.gov.