Tennessee Secretary of the State Tre Hargett visited Red Boiling Springs High School last week to recognize the school’s voter registration efforts with an Anne Dudley Award.
“I’m delighted to be back in Macon County today to honor your high school,†said Hargett. “We oversee elections throughout the state of Tennessee. We work with Mr. Doss (Macon County Elections Administrator) to make sure that every Tennessean can register and cast their vote and do so accurately. We are passionate about getting our young people here in Tennessee to engage in civic engagement and the voting process. I am a firm believer that the most fundamental way that you can participate is by being an educated voter. Knowing the issues at hand and the candidates and then casting your vote accordingly. We created the Anne Dallas Dudley Award — who was a famous suffragist and was essential in obtaining the right for women to vote in our country. We honor Mrs. Dudley and her role in helping women gain their right to vote in the United States of America.â€
Hargett said it was important to recognize those that play a part in civic rights.
“One of the things I hear from young people a lot of times is that they think their vote doesn’t matter,†said Hargett. “I can tell you that your vote truly does matter. On a local level for sure, where there are often ties or it comes down to just a few votes. The people who have the lowest turnout for voting in our country are the young people. People who are 18-25 years old. If you watch TV during elections, many times those running for an office aren’t really talking to younger people because younger people don’t typically show up at the polls. They talk about issues that pertain to older people like myself. If you want to grab the power of the ballot box, you have got to start showing up and exercising your right to vote. When people read about the success of Red Boiling Springs, getting every eligible student registered to vote, there are going to be other people see this and realize that they or other young people can easily do this as well. I congratulate you in getting every student here at Red Boiling Springs High School registered to vote.â€
Hargett also presented awards to some in attendance.
“Today we have a special presentation to make,†said Hargett. “First, we couldn’t have a successful event without having a fantastic Administrator of Elections here. We have a wonderful one here in Macon County, and I’m delighted to recognize Mr. Barry Doss today with the Anne Dallas Dudley Award for his hard work in making sure Red Boiling Springs achieved 100% voter registration.â€
Hargett each of the schools “have student ambassadors who help us reach these goals.â€
“We have two students we are recognizing today, the first being Trinity Reeves,†he said. “The second student who helped us achieve this goal and is being awarded today is Ms. Logan West.â€
Hargett went on to congratulate the entire school at Red Boiling Springs as he concluded his presentation.
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