District Sparks Controversy By Busing Students To Polls

The Guilford County School district has been busing students to local polling places so they can vote, register to vote, or just observe the process. But officials there are split over the activity.

Administrators say the polling place field trips will help educate students on citizenship. But The News & Record reports the initiative has caused a rift between school leaders. 

Board Vice-Chairwoman Linda Welborn said the idea caught her by surprise after people began contacting her with questions. She expressed concerns about the expense, student absences and whether there might be a perception of ulterior political motives.

But Superintendent Sharon Contreras says the field trips help to eliminate barriers to registering and voting. She also points out that state law encourages schools to register students to vote.

Officials say about 6,900 Guilford County Schools students are eligible to participate in the trips if they are 18 or will be by November 3, Election Day.