Golden State Today

Sacramento, Calif. – Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., presented the John Lewis Youth Leadership Service Award to George Harris on June 25, 2024, recognizing his contributions to civic engagement and voting accessibility throughout California.

The John Lewis Youth Leadership Service Award, established by the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) in 2021, honors the legacy of Congressman John Lewis by celebrating young individuals under 25 who demonstrate exceptional commitment to civic service and leadership.

George Harris, the Winter 2023 nominee for California, was selected for his dedication to improving voting access and his proactive efforts in civil rights and voting rights advocacy. Harris's journey in public service began in 2015 when he chaired the 79th District Youth Advisory Council, working closely with then-Assemblymember Shirley Weber to address local issues and educate youth on legislative processes.

Harris pursued higher education with a bachelor's degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a master's degree from California State University, Sacramento, both in Political Science. His academic endeavors included award-winning research on the impact of voter ID laws on marginalized voters, earning accolades from the CSU Research Symposium and the CSU Sacramento Grand Slam competition.

In his professional capacity, Harris served as a Policy Analyst in the Secretary of State’s Office. He played a pivotal role in the Voter’s Choice Act, a statewide initiative aimed at increasing democratic access for over 17 million voters. His efforts included analyzing voter data, reviewing county election plans, and developing policy recommendations. Harris also contributed significantly to the SOS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) framework.