Voter Registration Drive: Inquiry-Based Learning in High Schools

Inquiry-based learning (IBL) can be a powerful tool in history education, transforming the way students engage with the subject. By shifting from a traditional lecture-based format to a more interactive and exploratory approach, students are encouraged to take on the role of historians—posing questions, investigating sources, and constructing their own interpretations of historical events.

Junior U.S. History II students hold a voter registration event in the cafeteria (Georgetown High School, 2018)

Implementing a voter registration drive in a high school using IBL offers a powerful opportunity to teach history while fostering civic engagement. Through this project, students investigate the history of voting rights, the impact of voter turnout, and the barriers to voting over time. By connecting historical concepts to real-world experiences, students not only learn about the evolution of democracy but also actively participate in shaping it.

In an inquiry-based voter registration project, students could begin by exploring the legal and historical milestones in voting rights, such as the 15th, 19th, and 26th Amendments, and key moments like the Voting Rights Act of 1965. From there, they might investigate modern-day challenges to voter participation, including voter suppression and disenfranchisement.

Next, students can develop a plan for a voter registration drive. They might consider logistics, promotional strategies, and partnerships with local organizations, all while applying the research and communication skills they’ve learned. Along the way, they gain hands-on experience in civic responsibility and leadership.

By integrating this type of inquiry-based learning into history courses, students are encouraged to connect their academic knowledge to their roles as citizens, making the learning process meaningful and impactful.

For more information on IBL and civic engagement, check out these resources:

- Edutopia: What the Heck is Inquiry-Based Learning?

- Education Week: Teaching Civics in Action

- National Voter Registration Day: Voter Engagement in Schools

These articles explore how schools can integrate inquiry-based projects into their teaching practices, with an emphasis on civic learning.