Diverse group of young people protesting, holding signs advocating for future, equality, and voting, with some in color and others in black and white, over a background with pink stars and purple and maroon torn paper textures.

one vote at a time.

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one vote at a time. *

Youth aren’t just the future. we’re the right now.

Shake The Future Up is for young people and by young people. Our initiative motivates California youth to take charge of their futures by turning out to vote in record numbers because when we come together, we are a force. Rooted in community, culture, and the power of youth voices, this campaign turns civic participation into a movement of identity, action, and collective liberation.

A woman sitting alone on a subway, holding a protest sign and a megaphone next to her.

California is home to nearly 1.2 million young people who are NOT registered to vote.

That’s over a million vital voices missing from our democracy. In Sacramento County alone, we have 200,000 unregistered young adults. We’re going to change that. Shake The Future Up is all about empowering Sacramento’s youth. We’ll meet you where you are—on campuses, in neighborhoods, and through culture, art, and peer networks. Together, we’ll create a movement where voting isn’t just a right, but a celebration of our collective power. This is just the beginning. We hope to take this model statewide in the future, but Sacramento is where it starts—and we want to build it with you.

View the Toolkit

What’s our plan?

A stylized illustration featuring a hand with purple nails holding a pen against a starburst background with purples and blacks. The illustration has a pop art and collage style.

Register and mobilize tens of thousands of unregistered and low-turnout youth voters

Digital illustration of a laptop computer with an exploding on-screen display, surrounded by abstract shapes and colorful effects.

Center BIPOC, immigrant, non-college, and LGBTQ+ youth often left out of traditional civic outreach

Torn photo of a California state outline with a palm tree icon, and pink shapes in the background.

build a youth-powered coalition across California to co-lead this effort beyond the 2026 elections

Get involved

for youth

Young people are the center of this entire campaign.We need your voice! Whether you’re 13 or 35, you can help lead this coalition. Your ideas and energy are crucial to making this initiative a success.

interest form

for partners

Are you interested in joining the coalition as an organization? You can get involved by helping us host events, supporting youth outreach, sharing campaign resources, and more.

more info

for supporters

This work is only successful with the support of our communities. We need individuals of all ages amplifying our message. Use our toolkit to help raise awareness and drive traffic to our socials and website.

toolkit

Upcoming events

  • SAC YOUTH VOTE ALLIES MEETING

    10.29 | 5:30 PM

    Calling all youth allies--let's gather to strategize on how to mobilize the youth vote and support our young leaders!

  • IN PERSON PIZZA COMMITTEE

    10.30 | 5:00 PM

    Join our youth planning session for a community art installation focused on young voters! Free pizza provided!

resources

voter registration

If you are eligible to vote in California, you can apply to register to vote right now by completing the online application. Voter registration qualifications are also available to view.

My voter status

Not sure if you’re already registered to vote or not? Find out your current voter status with My Voter Status.

military & overseas voters

California’s military or overseas voters who are registered to vote are able to vote while living outside the United States.

SAFE AT HOME

Participants enrolled in the Safe at Home program can register as a confidential voter to keep their voting information private. If you are in fear for your safety, and meet eligibility requirements, you can apply to our program and register as a confidential voter.

poll worker information

This site contains important information and resources regarding the California Secretary of State Poll Worker programs.

high school & youth initiatives

Learn all about the California Secretary of State’s office’s initiatives to educate and engage young Californians in the democratic process.

voter’s choice act

The California Voter's Choice Act (VCA) modernizes elections in California by allowing counties to conduct elections under a model which provides greater flexibility and convenience for voters.

SHAKE THE FUTURE UP

SHAKE THE FUTURE UP

CONTACT

Are you interested in getting involved with the Shake The Future Up Campaign? Please fill out our interest form for partners or individuals. All other inquiries can be sent to claguardia@californiacenter.org