Santa Fe Unit School gets award from Sec. of State for 100% voter registration

As this fall's round of elections draws near, state leaders recognized Santa Fe Unit School Wednesday with an award representing 100% voter registration for the school's eligible students.

Secretary of State Tre Hargett, as well as Rep. Kip Capley, R-Summertown, and Sen. Joey Hensley, R-Hohenwald, visited the school Wednesday, also joined by Maury County Administer of Elections Chris Mackinlay and school staff to present the state's Anne Dallas Dudley Award to Santa Fe Unit School, grabbing the coveted Gold Level.

Santa Fe Unit was one of only 33 Tennessee schools to achieve the gold status, Hargett said while speaking to the students Wednesday, which he said is something to be proud of in setting an example for other young people.

The honor, he said, highlights the importance of the right and privilege to vote.

"Registering to vote and not voting is kind of like going to a football game. You're out there screaming and cheering, but you really haven't played the game until you've put on the pads," Hargett said. "I would choose to be a regular voter, be educated and vote your values. And I didn't say my values or the person next to you, but know what's important to you and go about it accordingly."

Hensley described the award as a "good first step" for young voters, considering they will be eligible to participate in two elections this year.

"It is also a good opportunity to remember that voting, especially in local elections, always matters," Hensley said.

"We have an election in August and then another in November. This is a privilege that we have in this country, and too many people take it for granted. Take that privilege and go vote whenever there is an election ... whether it is for a school board member, a city council member, county commission or county officials. Your vote matters and should be exercised every time."

Capley, who at 25 was elected the youngest State Representative to serve in the Tennessee State House, is now 27. Capley said he is not far from where the high school seniors of today are now sitting. He also said the often-used term "every vote counts," became a big realization after running for office, one the young voters should keep in mind when it comes to electing candidates they favor.

"I remember being young and in high school registering to vote, and it really didn't impact me as much as when I started running for the local primary, where I won by only 148 votes," Capley said. "If 148 people decided they didn't like Kip Capley, I wouldn't be here. Every single vote matters, and I can guarantee. And if you don't go vote, how are you going to complain?"

A first for the school, but a longtime mission

In addition to the school's award, state leaders also recognized seniors Aniston Slaughter and Cannon Rogers for their role as student ambassadors in helping their class attain its 100% voter registration goal.

Mackinlay was also presented a certificate for his role in administering elections at the Maury County Election Commission, a place many of these young voters will likely visit in the fall.

To him, he said the biggest lesson is that voting is a right many other countries, cultures and governments don't allow their citizens as a birthright, which should never be forgotten.

"I think if you can vote, you should. And anyone should be educated, but also vote with their heart, their faith, all of those things," Mackinlay said. "Otherwise, they don't have a right to complain. It's a freedom we should always take advantage of because there are plenty of people on the planet who don't have that same freedom, and as Americans we might take it for granted because we are born into it."

Santa Fe government, history and economics professor Jonathon Slaughter, who is also Aniston's father, said encouraging his students to register has always been a focus of his teaching every year, and that being awarded this kind of recognition is, if anything, an encouragement to continue.

"I've been teaching here for 26 years now, and every graduating class I've tried to get involved to register to vote, try to make sure all of our Santa Fe kids are registered," Slaughter said. "And I always try to teach them about their state, local and national representatives. And so, lot of these people here are also answers to their test questions."

Slaughter added that this was the first time the school had applied for the award, which was newly introduced last year. It was also a former student of his who initially sparked the idea that Santa Fe Unit School be considered for the award, while learning the value of voting and civil service at a young age.

In some cases, supporting such goals not only helps shape one's community, but could even lead to a career.

"They started this award last year, and [Secretary of State Policy Assistant Christian Cervantes] is actually one of my former students who contacted me, and so I made sure to send in the paperwork," Slaughter said. "Not only was he a former student, but now works in the Secretary of State's office."

For more information about registering to vote in Maury County, upcoming elections, sample ballots and voting times, contact the Maury County Election Commission, 1207A Tradewinds Drive, at (931) 375-6001 or visit www.MauryCounty-TN.gov.

Jay Powell is a general reporter for The Daily Herald. Get up-to-date news in your inbox by subscribing to The Daily Herald newsletter at www.ColumbiaDailyHerald.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Santa Fe Unit School wins State award for 100% voter registration