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Portrait of Carrie Chapman Catt, the inspiration behind this award

"Progress is calling to you to make no pause. Act.”

Carrie Chapman Catt

Background

The Carrie Chapman Catt Award is a voter registration initiative tailored for Iowa high schools. Schools that achieve a voter registration rate of at least 90% among their eligible senior class will earn the prestigious Carrie Chapman Catt Award, named after the renowned Iowan leader of the women’s suffrage movement. Schools reaching 50% and 70% registration will also receive statewide recognition. Our mission is to equip schools with the necessary resources for conducting two successful voter registration drives.

Kicking it off in 2019, Secretary Paul D. Pate wanted to initiate the conversation with 17-year-olds across the state. Iowa allows 17-year-olds to register to vote as long as they are at least 18 years old at the time of the general election in which they are voting. In 2024, a record breaking 44 high schools obtained the Carrie Chapman Catt Award for registering 90% or more of their eligible students to vote!

How to get involved

  1. In August, before the general school year begins, the sign-up information will be posted here on our website.
  2. You will fill out the form with information regarding the senior class and submit to our office.
  3. After we receive the information, we will mail you an Action Kit that will contain all the information you need to begin planning your registration drive!
  4. Once your registration drive has completed, you will mail the registration forms to your county auditor and mail the pledge cards back to us!

NOTES:
- Only eligible students should be participating in this registration drive. That means all senior students that are U.S. Citizens and 17 years or older at the time of registration.
- The 90% benchmark is established by the senior class size as indicated in the sign-up form. Juniors who are 17 years old and participate in the program will not be credited toward your senior class size total.

For any questions or comments regarding this program, please contact Gracie.redel@sos.iowa.gov or call 515-725-0182

Previous Years Catt Award Results