John, 

Young people are leading movements and protests across America. We have a responsibility to make sure our voices are heard at the ballot box, too. Pro-voter reforms are one way to make sure that happens.

States that have already passed pro-voter reforms, like automatic voter registration and pre-registration, are well ahead in terms of registering eligible young voters. Part of that is because necessary social distancing has halted or stalled in-person registration.

Here’s the thing: if every state allowed 16- and 17-year-olds to pre-register to vote, the rush to get registered at 18 during an election year wouldn’t be a problem.

Today we’re launching a pre-registration toolkit with actions and resources you can use right now from home to advocate for this reform.

Pre-registration is one of the most effective ways to engage young people in the electoral process before they cast their ballot.

This kind of pro-voter reform, which can be passed by state legislatures, is MONUMENTAL in ensuring equal access to the ballot box by simplifying the registration process and expanding fair access through absentee and early voting provisions.

Pre-registration allows eligible citizens to pre-register to vote so that once they turn 18, their voter registration is automatically activated.

It gives transient and incredibly busy young people the opportunity to register to vote when it is convenient for them—instead of during the narrow timeline between their 18th birthday and their state's registration deadline.

Our pre-registration action toolkit includes resources that will help you advocate for pre-registration policies in your state AND spread the word to other young people so they can pre-register now!

Here’s a quick overview of what’s included:

• A tool to get you pre-registered to vote TODAY
• A one-pager of talking points with all the fast facts of pre-registration
• A sample op-ed that allows you to fill in your personal story about registering to vote and advocate for pro-voter reforms in your state
• Sample social media posts about pre-registration to educate others
• A tool to advocate for your state legislature to introduce more pro-voter reforms that specifically aid young voters

Check it out here. Then share it with five of your friends.

Edwith Theogene
Advocacy Director
Generation Progress