NE Valley Times

The Scottsdale Mayor’s Youth Council will be hosting a Town Hall event to discuss and foster election education on April 25, 2024, at Scottsdale Stadium. The keynote speaker for the event will be Reynaldo Valenzuela, Maricopa County’s director of mail-in voting. Valenzuela will address the importance of voting, its impact, and how to cultivate service leadership.

According to Youth Council President Nathan Cai, the event aims to engage young people early in the democratic process, regardless of their eligibility to vote. Cai states, “We were inspired to choose voter and civic engagement as this year's Town Hall topic. By collaborating with Maricopa County Elections, we aim to educate young people on the importance of interacting with local government – through voting and other avenues – from a non-partisan standpoint.”

Kristy Hahn-McDonald, the staff liaison, emphasizes the value of the Town Hall event for high school students, stating, “The Scottsdale Mayor’s Youth Council and this Town Hall is a valuable opportunity for a high school student to learn more about their local government, engage with leaders and use their voice on topics that students are passionate about.”

Reynaldo Valenzuela, the keynote speaker, brings over 33 years of experience in the elections field. He has served on various election panels and holds positions in election-related associations. Valenzuela's expertise in the field will provide attendees with valuable insights into the electoral process and the significance of civic engagement.

The Scottsdale Mayor's Youth Council is dedicated to offering high school youth in Scottsdale the opportunity to learn about local government functions, engage with leaders, and voice their opinions on local government and issues. The Town Hall event serves as a platform for young individuals to become informed and active participants in the democratic process.