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Project | 2-4 Weeks

2024 ELECTION TOOL KIT


OVERVIEW

Election toolkit

IT’S YOUR TURN TO TELL THE STORY.

Communities are stronger when young people have the tools to tell important stories. Teenagers across America are keeping journalism alive in their communities and filling critical information gaps, from interviews with local representatives to conversations with peers who are grappling with key issues.

Hundreds of federal, state and local elections will be held in 2024; student journalism ensures youth perspectives are included in this process.

HOW TO USE THIS TOOLKIT

The Student Reporting Labs Election Toolkit is designed to give middle and high school students the tools and confidence to practice quality journalism in their community during the 2024 election cycle.

This page includes how tos, example stories produced by student journalists, challenges and additional resources collected and created using the knowledge and expertise of teens, educators and SRL, a leader in the youth journalism space.

GET STARTED: 2024 ELECTION PROMPTS

INTERVIEW A YOUNG LEADER

Although many politicians are from older generations, young people are getting involved and making their voices heard. For this project, tell a story about a young person participating in the 2024 elections. Submission Deadline: Fri. Oct. 11, 2024

https://www.story-maker.org/library/elections-2024-young-leaders/

SRL SHORTS: “I’M VOTING BECAUSE…”

Nearly 41 million young people will be eligible to vote in the U.S. general elections. Will you be one of them? What do you care about? With the U.S. general elections this November, we explore the ways in which young Americans are politically engaged. Submission Deadline: Fri. Oct. 11, 2024

https://www.story-maker.org/library/im-voting-because/#overview

SRL SHORTS: MY REGISTRATION STORY

You’re 18! What’s it like for YOU to register to vote? Is it fairly simple or overly complicated? Produce your voter registration story and shine light on the experience. Submission Deadline: Fri. Oct. 11, 2024

https://www.story-maker.org/library/my-registration-story/

SRL SHORTS: INTERVIEW ELECTION WORKERS

Amid political polarization, misinformation on social media, voting restrictions and concerns about security and access– how are election workers coping? Interview an election worker in your community and ask them about how they are dealing with threats and other challenges. Submission Deadline: Fri. Oct. 11, 2024

https://www.story-maker.org/library/election-worker-profile/#overview

SRL SHORTS: WHAT’S ON THE BALLOT?

A number of issues are on the ballot this election, from abortion, to minimum wage, race and gender in schools. What’s at stake in your community? Submission Deadline: Fri. Oct. 11, 2024

https://www.story-maker.org/library/whats-on-the-ballot/

INTERVIEW A POLITICIAN

Student journalists can hold politicians accountable and ask important questions about issues that matter. Take to the camera and interview a local politician in your area who’s on the ballot, whether they’re running for school board or Congress. Learn more + complete this activity here. Submission Deadline: Fri. Oct. 11, 2024

https://story-maker.org/library/how-to-interview-politicians/

Resources

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR REPORTING ON ELECTIONS

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR TALKING ABOUT ELECTION ISSUES IN THE CLASSROOM

Topics

Toolkit

Levels
Materials
Estimated Time

2-4 Weeks