Voter Pre-Registration Proposed

New York’s voter registration and voter turnout numbers compare poorly to other states. As a way of improving those numbers, State Senator David Carlucci proposed an update to the voter registration process that would allow 16 and 17-year-olds to pre-register to vote at a Department of Motor Vehicles office.  

Carlucci said 64 percent of New York residents who are eligible to vote are not registered and only 46.6 percent of eligible 18 to 24 year olds have registered.  In 2012’s presidential election, less than half of those registered to vote cast ballots. 
He described the turnout as abysmal.    

“Right here in New York State in 2010 we had the worst voter turnout in the nation,” said Carlucci. “That means we were behind every other state when it comes to the amount of people that go to the polls.”  

Under Carlucci’s legislation, young adults who pre-register would be automatically enrolled and able to vote when they turn 18.  Speaking at Clarkstown North High School on Friday, Carlucci told a group of students it was not only important that they register to vote but they should get involved in the political process.  

Political Science and History Teacher James Lange said because young people do not vote, politicians and elected officials often do not pay attention to them. He said they were missing out on opportunities to vote on issues that affect them.  

Mark Favors, executive director of he Youth Civic Leadership Academy, noted that enacting the bill will not cost additional money and will empower youth.
 
“This is something that’s bipartisan and that’s effective,” he said.  

Several North students spoke and one of them, Sam, said if they register to vote and get the registration card they are more likely to go to the polls.
 
“Government plays a huge part in our everyday life. Yet most of us are apathetic towards government and don’t vote. That is why legislation like this is important,” he stated.  

Some of the speakers referred to issues that directly impact young adults and students including sequestration and possible changes to student loans and school district funding.  At least 12 other states permit 16 and 17 year olds to pre-register to vote.  

Carlucci said other changes are needed to encourage voting such as allowing early voting, expanding the time when people can vote and making it easier for absentee voting. Pre-registration he described as a simple first step.  

“This is something that I think is achievable. We can do it now,” he emphasized.