Press Releases
01/16/2025
Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas Honors Next Gen Elections Program Participants and John Lewis Youth Leadership Award Recipient
(Hartford, CT) — Connecticut Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas hosted an event to celebrate the accomplishments of participants in the Next Gen Elections Program, a groundbreaking civic initiative designed to train college students to serve as election workers at the Moderator level across Connecticut.
“The Next Gen Elections Program brings in students who play a vital role in ensuring our state’s elections are run safely and smoothly,” said Secretary Thomas. “Engaging young people in civic leadership is crucial for the future of our representative democracy. These students not only support poll workers but also bring fresh perspectives and energy to the electoral process. Their commitment inspires hope for a stronger, more inclusive democratic system.”
The event also featured the presentation of the John Lewis Youth Leadership Award, a national recognition established by the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) to honor young leaders who demonstrate exceptional civic commitment, leadership and a passion for social justice.
This year’s recipient, Haritha Subramanian, shared: “I am honored to receive the John Lewis Award after participating in the Next Gen Elections Program. This experience deepened my understanding of election laws and highlighted the importance of representation at the polls. By fostering nonpartisan civic engagement, Next Gen Elections has inspired my commitment to advancing voter rights and making positive change in my community.”
The program’s celebration also included a panel of election professionals who discussed career paths in election administration. Students reflected on their 2024 experiences and prepared for 2025, the program’s second year.
(Photo of Secretary Stephanie Thomas and Haritha Subramanian)
(Photo of Secretary Stephanie Thomas and Next Gen participants)
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