One word of caution, though, with early registration and managing expectations. I worked the polls in NJ's primary yesterday, and a 17 year old who registered in April at age 16 showed up thinking he could vote. I thought that NJ might allow 17 year olds to vote in primaries if they were going to be 18 for the general, but that doesn't kick in until 2026 (I looked it up after he left). So this kid won't be able to vote until 2026, and he may lose interest in the meantime. I think it's important to be very clear when 16 year olds register that they can't vote until they're 18 except in primaries, but only in states that allow 17 year olds to vote if they'll be 18 on election day. Beware of unintended consequences.
Read the statistics on “ the power of the young vote” on my profile - found in an old Chicago album / sleeve which explains how 18 yrs old if registered and voted in the “68” ? Nixon election….It would have been a whole new ballgame if they all voted!
I wonder if much of this is due to using improved registration policies (like automatic voter registration) at the DMV (or whatever it's called there). Because youth change addresses very frequencly--for college or job changes--it will be improtant to make sure the registration policies for when people change their address via the DMV (or other agencies required to do voter reg services under the National Voter Registration Act) are followed.
That's incredible news!
One word of caution, though, with early registration and managing expectations. I worked the polls in NJ's primary yesterday, and a 17 year old who registered in April at age 16 showed up thinking he could vote. I thought that NJ might allow 17 year olds to vote in primaries if they were going to be 18 for the general, but that doesn't kick in until 2026 (I looked it up after he left). So this kid won't be able to vote until 2026, and he may lose interest in the meantime. I think it's important to be very clear when 16 year olds register that they can't vote until they're 18 except in primaries, but only in states that allow 17 year olds to vote if they'll be 18 on election day. Beware of unintended consequences.
I'm guessing but it could be that this guy's rejection couple with the stubbornness of youth will provide a happy ending.
Go Michigan!
Read the statistics on “ the power of the young vote” on my profile - found in an old Chicago album / sleeve which explains how 18 yrs old if registered and voted in the “68” ? Nixon election….It would have been a whole new ballgame if they all voted!
I wonder if much of this is due to using improved registration policies (like automatic voter registration) at the DMV (or whatever it's called there). Because youth change addresses very frequencly--for college or job changes--it will be improtant to make sure the registration policies for when people change their address via the DMV (or other agencies required to do voter reg services under the National Voter Registration Act) are followed.