VOYAC Is Building Civic Power Through Voter Registration and Education
The Voices of Youth Advisory Council (VOYAC) is making sure young people experiencing homelessness have the information and opportunity they need to participate in the democratic process.
VOYAC is a youth advisory council made up of young people with lived experience of homelessness. Through their work, council members help shape YouthLink programming and advocate for their peers’ needs and perspectives.
VOYAC members have been hosting voter registration drives and tabling events at YouthLink’s Drop-In Center and at community events serving young people experiencing homelessness. Their goal is more than simply getting people registered — it’s to make sure young people understand the voting process and feel equipped to participate.
And they’ve already reached an important milestone.
VOYAC set a goal of registering 75 people to vote through this year’s initiative, from July through November. As of September 30, they officially reached that goal — registering 75 people to vote… and still counting!
These efforts are funded through Hennepin County’s Voter Registration Outreach Engagement initiative. As part of the effort, VOYAC has hosted voter registration events within YouhtLink’s Drop-In Center. The events have included educational activities, trivia, catered food, and raffle prizes, giving young people another opportunity to connect, ask questions, and learn more about voting.
VOYAC members help young people understand what they can expect when they vote, including what will appear on the ballot, how Minneapolis’ ranked-choice voting works, how to vote if you are currently experiencing homelessness, and how changes to voting rules and laws may affect them.
For example, in Minnesota, eligible voters can be automatically registered to vote when they apply for or renew a Minnesota driver’s license or state ID. They also educate youth on who is allowed to vote— sometimes youth incorrectly assume they cannot vote if they are experiencing homelessness and do not have a permanent address, or if they have a prior criminal-legal conviction. VOYAC’s events provide an opportunity to share information like this and answer questions in a welcoming, accessible setting.
Youth-led civic engagement
The voter registration initiative is one example of VOYAC’s leadership in action.
Rather than simply telling young people to vote, VOYAC creates spaces where young voters and future voters can learn about the process, ask questions and make informed decisions for themselves.
The initiative will continue through the November 3 general election. And the day after the election, VOYAC will host a celebration in YouthLink’s Drop-In Center to recognize the young people who participated.
If you are eligible to vote in Minnesota, make a plan to vote on November 3!
A new chapter for VOYAC
The voter registration initiative comes at an exciting time for VOYAC. Brother Ra recently transitioned into the role of VOYAC Chair, succeeding outgoing Chair Clyde.
As he begins his tenure, Brother Ra is focused on strengthening the council while creating new opportunities for youth leadership, creativity and connection.
“One immediate priority is building full council membership,” Brother Ra shares. VOYAC currently has one vacant council member seat that the group hopes to fill.
The council is also exploring several new projects, including programming around YouthLink’s 3D printer and launching a new podcast called E.B.T.: Every Body Trauma.
Another project is still in its early stages but could become a lasting resource for other organizations: a book about VOYAC’s history and the experiences that shaped the council.
Brother Ra described the project as an anthology of stories about how VOYAC was created and how it has grown into what it is today. The book could eventually serve as workshop and educational material for other organizations interested in learning from VOYAC’s model and approach to youth leadership and advocacy.
The idea builds on previous creative projects. VOYAC members have contributed to a book of poetry through Kulture Klub Collaborative, and Brother Ra and Brother Manny created Walking Into You: A Youth Journal for Exploring Hurt, Healing and Breathing. Now, they are exploring how those experiences could inform a new project focused on VOYAC and youth homelessness.
And with Give to the Max Day approaching on November 19th, VOYAC is also helping YouthLink prepare for the annual statewide giving holiday. Through these projects, the council continues to find new ways to share youth perspectives and create opportunities for young people to lead.
Keep building youth voice
From registering voters to creating educational resources, developing new programming and sharing their stories, VOYAC members are continuing to demonstrate what youth leadership can look like.
The voter registration initiative is one piece of that work — helping young people experiencing homelessness access information, participate in civic life, and have their voices heard.
Congratulations to VOYAC on reaching 75 registered voters — and here’s to many more!
Go vote on November 3!
