Iowa Opened Carrie Chapman Catt Award Registration
The state program incentivizes high schools to register eligible students to vote.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Civic Engagement
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Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate has opened the registration window for the Carrie Chapman Catt Award program. This initiative recognizes high schools that successfully register eligible students to vote.
Why it matters
The program helps Iowa schools fulfill state-mandated legal requirements to hold two voter registration drives annually. It encourages civic participation among young people by providing resources for school-based registration efforts.
Schools can earn recognition by reaching registration rates of 50%, 70%, or 90% of eligible students. Participation numbers must be submitted by March 27, 2027.
The players
Paul Pate
Paul Pate is the Iowa Secretary of State and the official responsible for the administration of elections and business services in the state.
Election Assistance Commission
The Election Assistance Commission is an independent bipartisan federal agency that provides resources to election officials and oversees the Clearie Awards.
The details
Participating schools receive an action kit containing resources to assist with their voter registration drives. In the previous school year, 122 schools participated in the program, with 75 of those institutions ultimately receiving recognition.
Timeline
The program originally launched in 2019.
The registration window opened on September 29, 2026.
Schools must submit their participation numbers by March 27, 2027.
Political Context
Opponents of state-mandated registration programs often argue that such requirements place an undue administrative burden on school staff and resources. Critics frequently contend that civic engagement should be encouraged through voluntary curriculum rather than through the pressure of state-enforced participation quotas.
High school students in the state can now participate in their school-sponsored voter registration drives to ensure they are prepared for upcoming elections. The program ensures that schools provide a clear path for students to fulfill their civic duty before they graduate.
The takeaway
This program serves as a model for how states can bridge the gap between legal registration mandates and school-level implementation. Schools that leverage these provided resources can effectively turn civic education into tangible student participation.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's efforts to increase voter turnout at the Civic Engagement section.
More information
To review the program requirements or register your school, visit the Carrie Chapman Catt Award registration portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Gate City.
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