As we celebrate America's independence and the birth of its democracy this weekend, some states are moving toward enfranchising its future voters. A growing legislative trend following the jump in youth voter participation in the 2008 presidential election, preregistration allows soon-to-be voters to take full advantage of registration opportunities when they get their driver's licenses, fosters civic engagement in the classroom, and catalyzes lifelong participation in democracy.
This week, two states have taken steps to allow 16- and 17-year-old citizens to register to vote before being automatically enrolled as legal voters at 18, with one Rhode Island bill going to the governor and another California bill being scheduled for a July 7 Senate hearing. In the spirit of democracy, the following are some points to consider for anyone (including R.I. Governor Donald Carcieri and California's Senate Committee on Elections, Reapportionment, and Constitutional Amendments) that supports fostering a civically engaged generation of future voters.
• The Registration Gap: Once registered, young people turn out and vote at rates similar to the general population. So why is overall youth turnout historically lower? The "key difference," in the words of the U.S. Census bureau, is registration. During the 2004 election, more than 70% of Californians over the age of 25 were registered to vote, compared to fewer than 55% of Californians between 18 and 25 years old. Pre-registration addresses the registration gap by creating access to registration opportunities.
• Voting is a Habit: Past participation is a major factor in determining future participation; as important as education, parental voting patterns, or income. Once you vote, it's hard to stop. That makes the first election in which a young person is eligible to vote extremely important. When young people are registered, they will likely vote as soon as they become eligible and begin a lifetime of engagement.
• Best Practices for Democracy: 16 and 17 year olds are driving, working and paying taxes on part-time jobs. We know that getting young people engaged in civic life is incredibly important. But current registration practices make engagement less effective. Pre-registration would allow more young people to get registered when they get their driver's license, or allow a student in a civics class to take the first step to participation.
• Broad, Bi-Partisan Support: Hawaii, Florida, and Puerto Rico allow 16-year-olds to pre-register to vote. Other states, like Oregon and Maine, allow pre-registration for 17-year-olds. Many more are on their way to enactment. Members of both parties have been strong advocates of pre-registration. In Florida, County Elections Supervisor Buddy Johnson, a Republican, helped lead the charge for reform because, "most teens consider a driver's license their first - and most exciting - step to freedom. I [wanted] to make it easier for them to take another exciting step toward freedom by pre-registering to vote as they get their driver's license."
Pre-registration is be relatively easy to administer. Voter registration programs at the Department of Motor Vehicles, utilizing the voter registration mechanisms already in place, can simply be extended to include anyone over 16, actually simplifying the process by eliminating a currently non-uniform age requirement.. Sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds who pre-register will simply remain "pending" until they reach the age of 18. But while such a change is logistically simple, for a young voter-to-be, taking early action in preparation for their first election as an eligible voter is of profound importance, encouraging pride in California's and America's democratic tradition, and instilling that tradition in the hearts of a new generation of Californians.
