Two Wilson County Schools Earn Anne Dallas Dudley Award

Wilson County, Tenn. – The Wilson County Election Commission worked with the local high schools to earn the Secretary of State’s Anne Dallas Dudley Award, which recognizes Tennessee high schools that reach at least 85 percent voter registration of eligible seniors, 18 years or older by the next election. Two of Wilson County schools earned the Gold Level Award- Friendship Christian School and Mt. Juliet Christian Academy.

“We are excited that the students at these schools were inspired by Anne Dallas Dudley’s incredible story and registered to vote,” said Tammy Smith. “It’s good to see students interested in voting and making a difference.”

Renowned suffragist Anne Dallas Dudley helped lead the successful effort to get the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution ratified nationwide and in her home state, Tennessee. On Aug. 18, 1920, Tennessee became the 36th and final state needed to pass the amendment giving women the right to vote.

“We launched this award because we believe our state and our nation are stronger when every eligible Tennessean is registered to vote and casts a ballot on Election Day,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “We are working with county election commissions across our great state to make sure students know that it has never been easier to register to vote in Tennessee and then to participate in our elections.”

High schools across the state that register 100 percent of the eligible students, who will be 18 or older by the next election, to vote will earn the Anne Dallas Dudley Gold Level Award. High schools that register at least 85 percent of the eligible students, 18 or older by the next election, will earn the Anne Dallas Dudley Silver Level Award. Tennessee law allows students who will be 18 or older on or before the next election to register to vote.

The Secretary of State’s office presented both schools with a Gold Level commemorative plaque and recognized students who led the registration efforts with certificates.

The Anne Dallas Dudley Award is an effort from the Secretary of State’s civics engagement initiative to promote voter registration among Tennessee students and prepare them to be actively engaged citizens.

For more information about the Anne Dallas Dudley Award or voter registration in Wilson County, contact Tammy Smith at [email protected]  or 615-444-0216.