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LWV Board member Vonita Francisco arranged for the League of Women Voters to register Future Voters of America on October 13 at Meadowdale High School in Lynnwood.  When Nadine Shanti was asked to provide the tabling materials, she immediately contacted Lisa Watson and Victoria Romero of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and asked them to join us at that event. 

Why? Because Delta Sigma Theta and LWV Snohomish County recently renewed our nationally recognized partnership. It was a perfect opportunity to approach new voters with early registration and information about what is important in our local elections. As the Chairperson for LWV Snohomish County's Community Outreach Committee (COCO), Nadine Shanti is extending the League’s activities to underserved communities in Everett. Delta Sigma Theta is a premier Black Sorority that shares the League’s nonpartisan status regarding endorsing or opposing candidates or parties. The presence of such a prestigious organization at League events assists our efforts in black and brown communities. It also gives Delta the opportunity to extend its offerings into communities north of Seattle. It is all about servicing our communities in Snohomish County.

Victoria Romero of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority joined us at Meadowdale with an infectious enthusiasm in tow. In addition to registering Future Voters, she was able to sign up several students to apply for the Tessie Miller Scholarship that gives students $100 to use toward tests for high school Advance Placement (AP) classes. This was our second collaboration with the local Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, whose members volunteered earlier this fall as readers at one of our Constitutional Reading events.

On Monday, Vonita Francisco tracked 24 students who either registered at the event or took the QR code to register at home.  She also tracked 51 students who took additional information about voting, our representatives, and our constitution. Washington State is one of a few states that offers a Future Voters program for 16-17 year olds. When registered in this program, the state will automatically enroll them as registered voters on their 18th birthday.

Kim Whitworth, Meadowdale’s principal, sent a warm and encouraging message after the event:

“Thank you so much for coming out to MHS for the voter registration drive. I heard from several students that they probably wouldn’t have registered to vote if you hadn’t been there. We would love to have you here next year if you’re available! Have a wonderful rest of your October and Get Out The Vote!”

Don’t worry, Principal Whitworth. LWV of Snohomish County is in the process of organizing two Future Voter Registration drives. One will coincide with "Temperance and Good Citizenship Day” in Washington State in January of 2026. The other will be in October of 2026 to register future voters for the November mid-term elections. COCO has already received clearance from Everett School District to arrange for additional registrations in Everett High schools.

OK, our League, we have our work cut out for us and the Future Voters of America are ready. Thank you, Delta Sigma Theta, for your vital presence and partnership. And thank you, Vonita, for starting us on this path of registering young voters so they can participate in our election process.