This award, created in 2016, is named after Eliza Pickrell Routt, the first woman registered to vote in Colorado after the state's passage of women's suffrage in 1893. Eliza served as Colorado's first First Lady -- her husband John Routt was elected as Colorado's first governor in 1876. In this role, she dedicated herself to equal rights for women and the passage of women's suffrage. Routt helped Colorado become the second state to allow women to vote, the first by popular vote. In honor of her commitment to the passage of women's suffrage, Routt was the first woman registered to vote in Colorado.

This award is given to Colorado high schools that have 85% or more of eligible seniors registered to vote. In its first year of inception in 2016, two Colorado High Schools won the award. With more schools having gained knowledge of the award, they are now creating groups and clubs to work toward the goal of getting at least 85% of seniors registered to vote. As of the end of the 2018-2019 school year, 26 awards have been presented at 17 different schools.

If you believe your school has reached 85% (or more) of registered eligible seniors, please fill out the application (PDF) and follow directions on how to submit it.

If you have any questions please email EPRaward@coloradosos.gov.

High school voter registration challenge

List of Colorado high schools that have been awarded the Eliza Pickrell Routt Award