SBE2026–2027 High School Student Voter Registration Contest
Can your school become one of Maryland's top student voter registration schools, and potentially earn recognition on the floor of the Maryland General Assembly?
The Maryland Student Voter Registration Challenge (MSVRC) is a statewide annual competition recognizing high schools that make the greatest impact in helping eligible students register or pre-register to vote. Schools across Maryland will compete for Bronze, Silver, and Gold recognition from the Maryland State Board of Elections while empowering students to lead meaningful civic engagement in their communities.
This year, the challenge is presented by the Maryland State Board of Elections in partnership with New Voters, a national nonprofit that has helped students lead more than 1,300 high school voter registration drives nationwide. Every participating school receives free mentorship, training, and resources to make running a successful drive simple.
Every year, thousands of Maryland students become eligible to register or pre-register to vote while they are still in high school. Because Maryland allows eligible 16- and 17-year-olds to pre-register, high schools have a unique opportunity to ensure students are ready to participate in their first election. The Maryland Student Voter Registration Challenge helps schools and students turn that opportunity into action.
Every Participating School Receives:
- ✓ A personal college mentor
- ✓ A Drive-in-a-Box mailed to your school
- ✓ Training on running a nonpartisan voter registration drive
- ✓ Ready-to-use outreach materials
- ✓ Step-by-step planning guides
- ✓ Ongoing support until your drive is complete
New Voters provides this support to every participating school at no cost, making it possible for any Maryland high school to participate regardless of prior experience.
Ready to Lead Your School's Voter Registration Drive?
Join high school students across Maryland competing to become leaders in youth voter registration. Participation is free, and every school receives personalized mentorship and resources to help you succeed.
Whether you're a student leader, educator, school administrator, or community organization, complete the interest form and we'll guide you through the next steps based on your role.
- Students: Ready to lead a voter registration drive at your school? Complete the interest form to get started. We'll match you with a college mentor, send you a Drive-in-a-Box, and guide you through every step of the process.
- Teachers or School Staff: Bring the Challenge to your school. Complete the same interest form, and we'll help recruit and support student leaders while providing your school with everything needed to participate.
- Community Organizations and Allies: Sign up here to learn how you can help connect schools and students to the Challenge.
- No previous experience is needed. Whether this is your first voter registration drive or you've organized before, New Voters will provide training and support throughout the process.
Compete for Statewide Recognition
Compete to become one of Maryland's top student voter registration schools. Top-performing schools can earn Bronze, Silver, or Gold recognition from the Maryland State Board of Elections, culminating in recognition on the floor of the Maryland General Assembly for Gold Award recipients.
School Registration Impact Awards
- Bronze
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- Register or pre-register 70% of eligible students at your school
- Receive a certificate signed by Maryland election elected officials and statewide leaders
- Silver
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- Register or pre-register 80% of eligible students
- Receive a certificate signed by Maryland election elected officials and statewide leaders
- Assembly with Jared DeMarinis, Maryland State Administrator of Elections
- Gold
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- Register or pre-register 90% of eligible students
- Receive all Silver recognitions
- Special recognition on floor of the the Maryland General Assembly
Award levels are based on the percentage of eligible students at your school who register or pre-register to vote through your efforts.
Action Plan Honor Roll
Students may also be selected for the Action Plan Honor Roll, which recognizes exceptional planning, creativity, and leadership. To be considered, participants submit a written action plan outlining how they will organize their voter registration drive. This recognition is separate from the Registration Impact Awards.
Important Dates
- To qualify for Gold
-
- ASAP (this helps us help you plan!): Interest form deadline
- November 2: Action Plan submission deadline (optional)
- December 20: Drive Completion Form due
- Early January: Award recipients announced
- To qualify for Silver or Bronze
-
- ASAP (this helps us help you plan!): Interest form deadline
- April 3: Action Plan submission deadline (optional)
- May 21: Drive Completion Form due
- Early June: Award recipients announced
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can participate?
- How much time does participating take?
- Can multiple students participate from one school?
- What if I'm under 18?
- Do I need prior experience?
The Challenge is open to Maryland high school students, teachers, school staff and student organizations. Community organizations working with high schools should feel free to complete the form as well to find out more information on how to get involved.
Most student leaders spend several hours planning their drive over the course of a few weeks, with support from a New Voters mentor.
Yes! When you sign up on the form, you may list additional student names.
You are able to run a voter registration drive at your school even if you are under 18 — New Voters will support you in navigating the requirements to register others to vote in Maryland.
No! New Voters will provide all participating students and schools, at no-cost, with a personal mentor, a mailed "Drive-in-a-Box" to your school, a step-by-step guide to running a drive in Maryland, and ongoing support throughout your drive campaign.
For more information on the Maryland Student Voter Registration Challenge, email Lexy Rhoden at [email protected]
