Number
180474
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
160538
Sponsor
ALD. JOHNSON, COOGS, MURPHY, RAINEY, STAMPER, LEWIS
Title
Resolution directing the Department of Administration - Intergovernmental Relations Division to seek introduction and passage of State legislation to provide for voting pre-registration of 16- and 17-year-olds; for the acceptance of a mobile-compatible electronic voter identification system; and for universal voter registration.
Analysis
This resolution directs the Department of Administration - Intergovernmental Relations Division to seek introduction and passage of State legislation to provide for:
1. Voting pre-registration of 16- and 17-year-olds.
2. The acceptance of a mobile-compatible electronic voter identification system.
3. Universal voter registration.
Body
Whereas, Young voters consistently have the lowest election turnout rates of any age group; and
Whereas, Many young eligible voters are not registered to vote; and
Whereas, Voting advocacy organizations recommend voter pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds, automatically adding them to voting rolls so they will be ready to vote at the time of their first election; and
Whereas, Several states, including California, Colorado, Louisiana, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, Rhode Island, and Washington, D.C. have adopted voter pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds; and
Whereas, Evidence collected from these states suggests pre-registration has limited to no fiscal impact but has a direct impact on voter registration rates and participation when implemented effectively; and
Whereas, Academic studies and electoral analyses show that voting behavior is habit-forming; people who vote continue voting, while those who do not vote typically do not start voting, accordingly, voter registration boosts civic engagement, particularly among the state’s youngest citizens; and
Whereas, The impact of pre-registration is similar for young Democrats and young Republicans; and...
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