Four million Americans will turn 18 this year. Why aren’t we registering them to vote?
Less than a third are likely to be registered in November. We must work to ensure they have a voice
TL;DR
- Millions of 18-year-olds fail to register to vote each election cycle, with less than 30% registered in typical midterm years.
- Low youth registration is attributed to lack of access and support, not political apathy, as registered young voters turn out at high rates.
- Barriers include reliance on DMVs for registration, declining driving rates, and online systems that often require a driver's license or state ID.
- A proposed solution is to make voter registration a standard part of high school education before graduation, reaching nearly all young citizens.
- Some states have successfully increased youth registration rates by making access easier, proving the problem is fixable.
- Community efforts, legal reforms like pre-registration laws, and prioritizing youth empowerment are crucial for increasing participation.