Orange County Supervisor of Elections Karen Castor Dentel launched a Civic Advisory Council’s Young Adult Focus Group for residents ages 18-26.
According to the Orange County SOE, the Civic Advisory Council is an outreach initiative for voter engagement and education.
“By creating spaces for dialogue and collaboration, the Civic Advisory Council helps ensure that every community has a voice in shaping an informed electorate,” the Supervisor of Elections site states. “From high school students casting their first ballot to older adults with decades of experience, and from cultural and language-based communities to voters with accessibility needs, the Civic Advisory Council connects Orange County citizens to the tools and support they need to participate confidently in our democracy.”
The purpose of the Young Adults Focus Group is to provide input and recommendations on policies, programs, and initiatives designed to increase voter engagement, education, and turnout among young voters in Orange County. The group will also advise the Supervisor of Elections on youth engagement strategies and outreach activities, as well as develop new ideas for voter participation. It aims to empower young voters to become active, informed participants in the democratic process.
The Orange County Supervisor of Elections identified focus areas of expanding voter registration opportunities, increasing awareness of election dates and procedures, and designing youth-focused educational campaigns and outreach events.
Board members will serve a minimum of one year. The board will meet once per quarter, either in person at the SOE office or virtually. Two members of the Supervisor of Elections staff will serve as board liaisons, providing guidance, resources, and coordination for board activities.
Applicants must be between 18 and 26 years old, be a current resident of Orange County, be able to attend quarterly meetings, uphold the nonpartisan mission of the SOE office, and represent the board in the community.
There is also a High School Leaders focus group. A variety of additional focus groups of the Civic Advisory Council are in development, according to the SOE. For more information, check out Orange County Supervisor of Elections Karen Castor Dentel’s Civic Advisory Council.
