A brief voter education speech was presented to students at Vernon and Chipley high schools on Wednesday, and seniors who were at least 17 years of age were given the opportunity to register to vote. 

Supervisor of Elections Carol Griffin said that some seniors had already taken the initiative to become registered voters and had actually cast ballots in the January 29 Presidential Preference Primary.  She commended the students for getting involved, and encouraged those who were registering for the first time to take this right — this privilege — seriously.  Griffin reminded students that in the 2000 Presidential Election, where over six million ballots were cast, the difference was only 537. 

As Griffin explained the importance of voting, members of her staff, Latrelle Williams and Eve Whitaker, moved around the room assisting students in completing their applications.  Approximately 65 students registered to vote. 

An eagle afghan was given as a door prize at the conclusion of the presentation.  Lazambria Johnson was the winner at Vernon High School and Donnie Pendleton at Chipley High School.  Students were also offered complimentary t-shirts.