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This article was originally published by Mirror Indy, and is republished through our partnership with Free Press Indiana.

By Carley Lanich
Mirror Indy
September 19, 2024

Most of the teens at KIPP Indy Legacy High School aren’t old enough to vote.

But for senior Dana Gibson that was no reason to sit out the upcoming election.

“I want everyone to know that they matter,” Gibson said. “That their voice has an impact in our government and in our elections.”

On Sept. 18, Gibson and about 20 of his classmates hit the streets of Martindale Brightwood to knock on doors and canvas their neighborhood. The juniors and seniors volunteered their time after a callout at school.

The school has led student canvassing in the last two election cycles, said Martha Cortes, KIPP Indy’s chief partnerships officer. Last time, students registered more than 70 people to vote.

The teens met first in their school to go over some ground rules with KIPP Indy staff and volunteers. The adults prepared them with questions the teens could ask such as “Are you registered to vote?” and “Have you moved recently? Do you need to update your address?”

“As Black and brown people in our community, it’s very important to leverage our voice, leverage our power,” Cortes told students before they left. “Whether you’re a voter in this election, whether you’re 15 or 16, those conversations matter.”

Talking values in Martindale Brightwood

Gibson, a senior, couldn’t wait. For the Indy teen, it was a chance to talk to his neighbors about their vision for their community.

He and some of his classmates watched the recent presidential debate. Former President Donald Trump’s false comments about Haitian immigrants eating dogs and cats concerned him. As many as 30,000 Haitian immigrants are now living in Indianapolis, according to the Haitian Association of Indiana, many of them on the east side.

“When we don’t have an OK-ish candidate, then that can change our entire way of life,” Gibson said. “Whether it be education or economical.”

As the teens canvassed, walking first up Ralston Avenue toward Frederick Douglass Park, they encountered more residents than they expected who had already registered.

So, the teens pivoted. They asked neighbors about their voting plans and what values they believe are most important in a presidential candidate. They also encouraged voters to research down-ballot races involving candidates for local school board and state representative seats.

“Everybody values integrity and honesty in who they want to be their president,” senior Dylon Roundtree said.

Janice Newton was approached by several students as she and her mom visited the Frederick Douglass Park Community Center.

She was confused at first. Usually teens aren’t allowed in the center until after 3 p.m., she said, as an incentive for students to go to class. But then, she realized why they were there.

“When I saw the word ‘vote’ on their T-shirts, I just thought that was amazing,” Newton said, “We think this is one of the more important elections to make sure that everybody gets out to vote, so this is wonderful to have the kids engaged.”

Being an example

On the students’ loop back toward school, they encountered residents who were concerned about safety and gun violence. Others wanted to see more people of color, like the teens, advocating for change in the city.

As they approached KIPP to return to class, Cortes asked the students about what they learned. Students said they were struck by how many people were already registered and said they hoped the people they talked to felt heard.

“When we see others like us, people of color, advocating for change or asking others if they’re registered to vote, I think that plays a part in making change,” Gibson said.

When students reached the school entrance for a final group photo, one stood quietly with clipboard in hand, scribbling her name and address into little boxes.

Amauri Lott, a senior, was completing her own voter registration. She says doesn’t have a specific voting plan yet, but will make it to the polls when she can.

Lott encourages other teens to research candidates and register like she did.

“It gives you a right of freedom,” she said.

How to register to vote and get involved

The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 7 and early voting begins Oct. 8. Want to make a plan to vote early? Check out Mirror Indy’s guide to early voting in Indianapolis.

KIPP Indy will help residents register to vote at an upcoming school board candidate forum at the school. The public is invited to attend from 5:30-7 p.m. Oct. 1 and learn more about candidates for the Indianapolis Public Schools board.

Food and child care will be available. Attendees are asked to register online.

Mirror Indy reporter Carley Lanich covers early childhood and K-12 education. Contact her at carley.lanich@mirrorindy.org or follow her on X @carleylanich.