By Kimberly Hopson
L’Observateur

DESTREHAN – Destrehan High School students took advantage of a favorable situation and pre-registered to vote while choosing their homecoming court on Wednesday.
The school worked in conjunction with the the St. Charles Parish Registrar of Voters Office in honor of Annual Voter Registration Week, and encouraged 17-year-old residents to pre-register to vote. This year’s annual Voter Registration Week ran from Aug. 26 to Aug. 30.
St. Charles Parish Registrar of Voters Brian J. Champage said the office receives nominations for the school’s homecoming court from administrators at the Destrehan High School. In turn, the outreach division
of the Secretary of State’s Office programs voting machines with the ballot information specifically for the school.
Champagne said they average about 40 to 60 registrations during these events. Paritipation varies since the students are sometimes in a hurry to get to their classes.
“A lot of kids don’t realize they can pre-register at 17 years old. It’s a part of my job to get out in the community and encourage people to register to vote and participate in the electoral process,” said Champagne.
Approximately 48 girls and 18 boys were on the ballot for this year’s homecoming court. Princess Vinnett, the student council president at Destrehan High, said students must elect 12 girls and 12 boys for the court. Voting is restricted to seniors.
“It was the perfect time to have everyone be able to vote for homecoming court, and while you’re in the room, register to vote. It’s such a crucial time and you’re finding your voice in so many different areas. Signing up to vote is really symbolic of not only getting older, but being responsible for yourself and being a good member of the community,” said 17-year-old Vinnett.
Champagne said his office is also focused on helping senior citizens learn about the voting options available to them. Besides voting in person on election day or early voting at the Registrar of Voters Office, citizens who are 65 and older or disabled may receive their election ballot through the mail. Mail ballot request forms are available on the St Charles Parish website.
The St. Charles Parish Registrar of Voters Office also held voter registration drives at senior centers in New Sarpy, Norco and Luling on Friday.
Citizens can always register to vote online at www.GeauxVote.com or while obtaining services at the Office of Motor Vehicles, public assistance agencies, public schools, colleges and libraries. For more information about registering to vote or making changes to voter registration in St. Charles Parish, contact the St Charles Parish Registrar of Voters Office at 985-783-5120.