Baltimore Votes is an organization whose sole mission is to encourage every person, in every precinct, to vote in every election. TheStudent Poll Worker Project Student Advisory Board, currently has eight members from area high schools; James McLaughlin ’26 began serving on the board in February. “Our main goal is to encourage students to serve as election judges,” he said. “By having more students serve as election judges, our elections run more smoothly, and the public has more confidence in the results.”

On Saturday, April 20, McLaughlin and other members of the board will lead panel discussions at the Maryland Civic Education and Engagement Leadership Summit. “This conference is primarily focused on discussing civic education within youth communities and how students can become more involved in the electoral process,” McLaughlin said. His panel discussion will highlight the significance of youth election judges, addressing the importance of their involvement in the civic process and the benefits of students serving as election judges.

Congratulations, James, and thank you for getting involved in the democratic process!