Sacramento – Progressive legislation, authored by Assemblymember Curren Price (D- Inglewood), that will allow young Californians to “pre-register” to vote at the age of 16 passed through the Assembly Elections and Redistricting Committee.

“Research shows that early involvement in politics leads to lifelong involvement,” said Assemblymember Price.  “Facilitating participation by younger voters empowers and engages our youth and ultimately strengthens our entire political process.”

According to the Secretary of State, more than 7.2 million eligible voters in California are not registered to vote – nearly one-third of California's eligible voters.  Among young voters, participation is even lower – according to the most recent data available from the U.S. Census, more than 45 percent of eligible voters in California between 18 and 24 years of age were not registered to vote in 2004.  Furthermore, while participation by younger voters has increased in the last few elections, California ranks 36th in the nation for turnout among young voters.

AB 1819 allows a person to register to vote once he or she is 16 years old, if that person otherwise complies with all the requirements to register to vote.  A 16 year old would complete the same voter registration form as any other person, but the registration would not be effective until they turn 18.  On their 18th birthday, his or her registration is activated, and the voter receives a sample ballot and other election materials for the first election in which he or she is eligible to vote.

Assemblymember Price has visited numerous middle schools and high schools throughout the 51st Assembly District conducting voter education assemblies.  Last week, he participated in an assembly at Inglewood High School; explaining to the students the importance of voting and encouraging those of voting age to vote this June and November.  “We need only look at the revolution that has occurred during these Presidential Primaries to understand how hungry our youth has been to play an active role in their government, and how much their participation can influence our political future, said Price.”  “I want to respond to the desire of our youth and encourage them to exercise their undeniable power to influence our world.”