Dozens of students and staff across District 214 cast their ballots during the school day on February 26 as all six high schools served as Early Voting sites through the Cook County Clerk’s Office High School Early Voting Pilot Program.
The initiative gave eligible voters, including 17-year-olds who will be 18 by the November General Election, the opportunity to participate in the 2026 Primary Election without leaving campus. Throughout the day, students voted between classes while several peers served as official student election judges.
At Buffalo Grove High School, senior Asche Sullivan was one of those judges helping facilitate the process.
“Voting is important in general, and the youth is one of the most underrepresented voting groups in pretty much all of America,” Sullivan said. “The opportunity for high schoolers to come and share their opinion and their voice and vote gives them more say in what happens in their country and in their state.”
Student election judges processed registrations, checked in voters and guided classmates through the experience, offering a look at democracy in action.
Junior Erik Kunicki said he volunteered because he wanted to be part of the process and encourage others to participate.
“This event today is going to be the first time for a lot of voters,” Kunicki said. “I think voting is a very important right that we all have, and it should be practiced as soon as possible.”
Kunicki added that having peers serve as election judges can make the experience feel more accessible.
“I think me being here as a peer would inspire others my age, my friends, people in my classes, to vote and be more comfortable with voting,” he said.
For senior Arianna Kanter, who both voted and served as a judge, the day represented more than just casting a ballot.
“It’s really important that we make sure our voices get heard and that we’re able to pick our representatives, people who are going to advocate for what we are passionate about,” Kanter said. “Especially at the high school level, it’s important to get people involved early so they can recognize the importance of voting.”
Across District 214, the event removed common barriers to participation by bringing early voting directly to students and staff. For many, it marked their first time voting, an experience designed not only to increase turnout in the primary election but to build lifelong habits of civic engagement.
District leaders hope the pilot program continues in future election cycles, further empowering young voters to make their voices heard.