Federal Way Groups Host Youth Voting Events
Local organizations and influencers held get-out-the-vote efforts for young people at a city skate rink.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Civic Engagement
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El Centro Skate Rink hosted outreach events over the past two weekends to boost voter participation among young adults. The initiative featured partnerships with social media influencers to encourage engagement among those aged 18 to 24.
Why it matters
Young adults aged 18 to 24 traditionally vote at significantly lower rates than older age groups, prompting targeted outreach to address this participation gap.
Official KFF data shows that only 28% of Washington residents aged 18 to 24 cast ballots in the 2022 general election, compared to a 78% turnout among voters aged 65 and older.
The players
El Centro de la Raza
This community-based organization provides services and resources to local residents.
League of Women Voters
This nonpartisan organization works to defend democracy and empower voters through education and advocacy.
King County Elections
This agency manages elections and voter registration processes for the region.
The details
El Centro de la Raza, the League of Women Voters, and King County Elections organized the outreach sessions at the Federal Way facility. Influencers leveraged their social media platforms during the events to directly reach and motivate younger constituents.
Timeline
The 2022 general election occurred in Washington.
Get-out-the-vote events took place at the skate rink throughout October 2026.
Political Context
The organizers are acting in response to KFF reporting on Washington voter turnout demographics, which highlights a stark disparity in civic participation across age groups. Opponents of such efforts often argue that resource allocation should prioritize broader civic education rather than targeting specific demographic segments.
These outreach events aim to normalize the voting process for younger residents by meeting them in social environments. Participants may find easier access to registration materials or information regarding their upcoming ballot choices.
The takeaway
Engaging young adults through community-centered events helps demystify the election process and increases visibility for local civic organizations. Residents can implement similar grassroots strategies to build community participation and ensure diverse representation at the polls.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts by visiting the Civic Engagement section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cascade PBS.
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