Decorah High School Recognized by Secretary of State's Office for Student Voter Registration Efforts

Our newsroom runs on more than coffee and craft beer — it runs on you. Support Decorah News' local reporting today. DES MOINES, Iowa — More than 5,400 Iowa high school students registered to vote during the 2025-26 school year through a statewide civic engagement program led by the Iowa Secretary of State's Office, officials said this week. Secretary of State Paul Pate said 5,404 students ages 17 and 18 registered to vote through the Carrie Chapman Catt Award program, which encourages eligible high school seniors to participate in voter registration drives at their schools. The program, established in 2019, recognizes Iowa high schools that register at least 90% of eligible students to vote. Schools reaching 70% and 50% participation also receive recognition. "More than 5,000 high school students registered to vote this school year as part of this program," Pate said in a statement. "They join more than 20,000 Iowa high school students who have registered to vote since the program's launch." According to the Secretary of State's Office, 122 schools hosted voter registration drives during the school year, and a record 75 schools received recognition. Among the recognized schools was Decorah High School, which received a certificate of recognition for registering at least 50% of its eligible students to vote. Several northeast Iowa schools also were honored. Turkey Valley High School and Clayton Ridge High School were among 49 schools statewide to receive the Carrie Chapman Catt Award trophy for registering at least 90% of eligible students. North Fayette Valley High School received banner recognition for registering at least 70%, while Crestwood High School received a certificate for reaching at least 50%. Pate hosted an award ceremony at the Iowa State Historical Museum in Des Moines. Seventeen high schools and about 200 students attended, according to the Secretary of State's Office. The program is part of broader state efforts to encourage civic participation among young voters. Officials said studies show students encouraged to register and vote in high school are more likely to remain engaged in elections throughout their lives. Get the inside scoop! Subscribe to the free DecorahNews.com newsletter and receive local news, expert analysis, and stories that matter most—straight to your inbox.