John, 

Did you know that the younger a person is when they cast a vote for the first time, the more likely they are to be lifelong voters?

Getting registered and going to the polls can be complicated and intimidating for first-time voters, so it’s important to introduce 16- and 17-year-olds to the process with the help of high school civics classes and parents.

In 2020, Generation Progress is supporting pro-voter reforms for our young voters, especially 16- and 17-year-olds. We will be working online and through partners to ensure students know the channels and procedures to pre-register to vote, inspire their peers, and get educated on the issues affecting young people.

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, typically passed by state legislatures, can be MONUMENTAL in ensuring fair and 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.

So, how can you ensure young people are registered and ready to vote?

• If your state has pre-registration make sure you and your friends are pre-registered here.
• If your state does not allow for pre-registration, use this tool to tell your state legislators to prioritize pre-registration legislation in 2020!

Thanks for being in this fight,

Brittney Souza
Organizing Associate
Generation Progress