Illinois Student Takes Top Prize in National Think the Vote Contest

Barrington (IL) High School student Isra Khan is passionate about debate, current events, and engaging with her community. 

Now, Khan is being honored as the grand prize winner in the national Think the Vote contest for the 2024-2025 school year.

Think the Vote, run by the nonprofit Bill of Rights Institute, encourages students to research, think critically, discuss, and debate current events. Students learn to engage in civil discourse around hot-button contemporary issues such as voter rights, immigration, foreign aid, and more. 

Judges selected Khan as providing the top contribution of the year during a discussion on expanding access to voting, earning Khan the $1,000 grand prize. Khan provided a well-researched examination of some of the historical challenges to voter turnout, as well as possible solutions to make it easier for Americans to vote. 

Khan, who serves as a member of the Barrington High debate team, editor of the school literary magazine, and volunteer at local senior homes, said she appreciates the opportunity Think the Vote provides to help students like her learn more about current events issues.

“There are so many issues that would simply never cross my mind, and participating in Think the Vote allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of at least one of those issues,” Khan said. 

Bill of Rights Institute Chief Program Officer Stan Swim said Think the Vote is helping students nationwide learn to research, think critically, and engage productively – even when they disagree. 

“Students like Isra are demonstrating that young people are willing and eager to tackle even the most challenging issues with reason and civility,” Swim said. “We are grateful for all of the students across America who participated in Think the Vote this school year. Together, these students are learning to think critically, listen to opposing viewpoints, and find their voices in civil society.”