High schools get out to vote during the gubernatorial primary election by hosting a Parade to the Poll. Junior and Seniors at John Hancock College Prep are working to increase youth voter turnout in the 13th Ward this election by hosting a parade to the poll. Parade to the Polls is a youth-centered, civic celebration that ensures young Chicagoans have a fun and comfortable, first time voting experience. The Parade to the Polls program was established in 2012 by a local nonprofit organization, Chicago Votes. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, they train young people with the leadership skills, civic knowledge, and hands-on experience necessary to have a lasting impact on democracy in Chicago. Nearly a dozen schools across the city are participating in Chicago Votes Parade to the Polls program which is estimated to turn out roughly 500 CPS students in the primary election. Organizers with Chicago Votes are excited to engage with students during this critical moment marking the activation of their political engagement. Casimiro Pena, Get Out To Vote (GOTV) Coordinator with Chicago Votes stated, “These parades highlight our theory of change at Chicago Votes. Registration, education, and activation. It is our goal to ensure that students have a positive, informed, and engaging first-time voting experience. These parades put political power into the hands of young people and invites them into a life-long relationship with voting.”

Early Voting – Primary Election, Parade to the Polls
• March 15, 2018 at Fenger Academy High School from 9:30am-2:00pm
• Early Voting Location: 730 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60624