The Youth Voter Initiative has a new name!

West Slope Youth Vote is a program of Western Colorado Alliance, lead and directed by students, with professional support and training from staff. This program is currently active in three counties – Garfield, Mesa and Montrose – and in ten high schools. 

The purpose of this program is to elevate the Western Slope young adults through peer to peer organizing by fostering leadership development and encouraging students to become active participants in their democracy. We know that our local students are the next generation of leaders and decision-makers for Western Colorado and for our country, and we believe in the power of student voices. It is our goal to encourage local youth to view voting as a right and a responsibility, always, from the moment they are eligible to vote. 

During its pilot year from 2018–2019, the West Slope Youth Vote program, formerly known as the Western Slope Youth Voter Initiative, placed most of its emphasis on peer to peer voter registration through classroom presentations. This year, our students have found their footing and, following the passage of SB19-235 for Automatic Voter Registration, have shifted their program emphasis from voter registration to voter activation.

Now it’s that time of year again! As the 2019-2020 school year is getting ready to gear up, so are our West Slope Youth Vote interns. Help our interns kick this year’s peer to peer voter activation program into action! Please donate to these hard-working and passionate young leaders!