Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate is encouraging Iowa high schools to conduct voter registration drives on March 30. The date coincides with the 50th anniversary of Iowa ratifying the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which lowered the voting age from 21 to 18. Every school that registers at least 90% of its eligible students to vote will receive the Carrie Chapman Catt Award, named after the Iowan who played a vital role in securing access to the ballot box for women across the nation with the passage of the 19th Amendment. Iowa law allows 17-year-olds to register to vote; there are nearly 2,000 17-year-olds currently registered to vote in the state. “It’s crucial for young people to learn that registering to vote and participating in elections is the best way to make sure your voice is heard,” Pate said. Schools interested in being considered for the Carrie Chapman Catt Award and receiving information and resources about how to conduct a voter registration drive should visit the secretary of state’s website or email Kendall.Antle@sos.iowa.gov.