Limited number of signs featuring local kids will be available from the Elections Office beginning this week

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — The Clerk-Recorder and the San Luis Obispo County Elections Office are offeringlocal residents a new way to encourage voting: yard signs with a non-partisan slogan and a photo of a local kid. Eight different versions of the sign, which feature kids of various ages saying, “I’m too young to vote. What’s your excuse?”

A limited number of signs are available, and all are free to the public. They can be picked up from both Elections Office locations, in SLO and Atascadero. The Clerk-Recorder asks that anyone who might dispose of their sign after Nov. 5 instead bring it back to the office so that it can be reused in future elections.

Clerk-Recorder Elaina Cano was inspired to create the signs after seeing a light-pole banner campaign featuring local kids in Marin County. Knowing that puppies and kids are often great for grabbing someone’s attention, she asked some local parents if they’d be willing to help out. The response was positive.

“’I. Love. This. So. Much!!!!!!!’ was the first text that came back within minutes of our public information officer reaching out to gauge parent interest,” said Cano. “During the lead-up to an election, there are lots of messages out there, generally tied to one perspective or another. We want to remind SLO County residents that we don’t care how you vote, we just want you to vote. And we were happy to hear that others felt the same way.”

Public Information Specialist Erin Clausen added that while the youngest child to participate was just 14 months, those who were older were excited to do it and were fully supportive of the message.

“These sweet kids already know that voting is important and that elections impact all of our lives, even theirs,” said Clausen, who took the photos. “It was so much fun to engage with them and talk about the project.”

Signs will be available while supplies last and can be picked up from the Elections Offices during business hours:

SLO Elections Office

1055 Monterey St., Suite D120

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Atascadero Elections Office

6565 Capistrano Ave., 2nd Floor (inside the library)

Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The signs will also be featured on the Clerk-Recorder’s Office’s social media accounts, and the website will share a look at all eight versions at slovote.com.