Press Release

March 19, 2024

National
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Somos Votantes Brings Dozens of Local High Students to Arizona Capitol to Meet State Legislators and Learn about Legislative Process

Today, Somos Votantes hosted students from multiple local high schools for their second annual Youth Legislative Day in Phoenix, AZ.

Phoenix, AZ (March 19, 2024) – Today, Somos Votantes hosted students from multiple local high schools for their second annual Youth Legislative Day in Phoenix, AZ. Students had the opportunity to tour the State Capitol, witness a live Senate and House floor session, and meet their local representatives as they learned more about this year’s legislative season.

Students were welcomed by Gov. Katie Hobbs, and heard from Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, who encouraged students to be active members of the democratic process, urging them to use their voice to fight for a better future.

"As Governor, I know that many of the decisions I make affect people not just today, but for years to come. That’s why one of my favorite things about being Governor is speaking with young Arizonans who not only care about the future of our state and our country, but are taking action to learn how they can be part of shaping that future. Thank you Somos Votantes for organizing this event and providing the next generation of Arizona leaders with more opportunities to participate in our democracy,” said Governor Katie Hobbs.

"Involving students in the legislative process teaches them to speak up, champion their community's causes, and engage meaningfully with the institutions that shape every aspect of our lives. I’m encouraged by today's event and a look forward to another opportunity to host Somos Votantes student leaders at the State Capitol.” Adrian Fontes, Arizona Secretary of State.

“Thank you to Gov. Katie Hobbs, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, and all of our partners who made this year’s Youth Legislative Day possible,” said Melissa Morales, President and Founder of Somos Votantes. “I know first-hand how impactful an experience like this can be, it's one of the reasons why I founded Somos in the first place. We want our future leaders to be informed, to understand the power of their voice and most importantly to see themselves in our democracy.”

Youth Legislative Day is part of Somos Lideres, a program of Somos Votantes aimed at empowering youth leaders to become leading voices in their schools and communities by providing young people with more opportunities to participate and engage with the legislative process.

Today’s event brought students from South Mountain High School, Cesar Chavez High School and Alhambra High School.

Somos Lideres, a key initiative by Somos Votantes, aims to inspire and equip young people to become influential figures within their schools and communities. This program allows them to immerse themselves in the legislative process, fostering their education and leadership empowerment.

Somos Votantes is an organization aimed at empowering everyday Arizonans, including young people, with the tools and information they need to fully participate in our democracy. Somos works year-round to ensure that all working people have the opportunities they need to build a good life and to keep Arizona growing.

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Visit https://www.somosvotantes.com/ for more information on this program and other projects, and follow the organization on Instagram, Facebook, and X.