September 9, 2026: Crown Point, Indiana
The Lake County Board of Elections and Registration is thrilled to announce they are once again hosting a high school open house, Courthouse Rocks! Voting for Students, on October 8, 2026. All Lake County high school students – public, private, and homeschooled – are invited to this free non-partisan public event. Featuring hands-on activities and real-world examples drawn from local elections, the event aims to engage Lake County students and prepare them to participate in civic life.
“When we say civics is fun, we mean it,” says LCBER Director Michelle Fajman. "Our hope is that by providing these engaging, hands-on activities, we’re helping get Lake County students excited to assume leadership roles in our democracy and discover ways they can be part of the process. What could be more important?”
Event schedule is as follows:
(9-10:00am): Early Voting
- Any eligible student can cast their vote at the Lake County Government Center early voting site.
(9:30-10am): Learn About the Hoosier Hall Pass/Student Poll Worker Program
- LCBER staff will host rolling information sessions on Lake County’s Student Poll Worker program. Sometimes referred to as the Hoosier Hall Pass, this program offers all Lake County high school students a PAID opportunity to get hands-on experience as a poll worker. After each presentation, staff will be on hand to help interested students complete their application and set up online training.
(10-11am): Voting 101 w/Michelle Fajman and Lori O’Dea
- LCBER Director Michelle Fajman and Assistant Director Lori O’Dea will offer a deep dive into how voting and elections work, featuring unique examples drawn from real Lake County elections. A live Q&A session will follow.
(11-11:30am)
- Students can complete poll worker applications, visit with LCBER staff to ask questions about registration, voting, and running for office, and enjoy surprise visits from county and state elected officials. You never know who might stop by!
The event is free to the public, but registration is required. Participants can register via this online form or email elections@lakecountyin.org.
Press Contact
Michelle Fajman
Director, Lake County Board of Elections and Registration
fajmamr@lakecountyin.gov
219.755.3795
