Illinois Expands High School Voter Registration with the Jesse Jackson Youth Voter Empowerment Act
Illinois has enacted the Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. Youth Voter Empowerment Act, requiring high schools to provide students with an opportunity to register to vote. The new law builds on preregistration at age 16 and comes as registration among Illinois 18-year-olds continues to rise.
How Minnesota Increased Youth Voter Registration: An Interview with Michael Wall
Minnesota has increased voter registration among 18-year-olds by 58 percentage points since 2022. Youth Voter Outreach Specialist Michael Wall explains the laws, partnerships, and outreach strategies behind that progress.
2026 Midterm Voter Registration Is Up for 18-Year-Olds
New data shows that 18-year-old voter registration is significantly higher ahead of the 2026 midterms than it was in 2022, with some states making dramatic gains and more progress possible before November.
Intergenerational activism: bringing civic engagement to life for high school students
Elders and students in Truckee are working across generations to register young voters and make civic engagement a lasting part of high school life.
Live Free or Die: New Hampshire Doesn’t Live Up To Its Motto
New Hampshire has the lowest 18-year-old voter registration rate among the states tracked by The Civics Center. Restrictive registration requirements are making it harder for young people to exercise their right to vote.
INTERVIEW: Democracy Fellow India Krug
Democracy Fellow India Krug shares how the Allegheny County Youth Vote Coalition is helping Pittsburgh teens register voters, meet elected officials, and lead civic change.
California: 300,000 teens need our help right now to get ready to vote in November
Nearly 300,000 eligible 18-year-olds are missing from California’s voter rolls. Here’s what the data shows and how communities can help before November.
Big State Challenge: The 5 Most Populous Are Failing Their Youngest Voters
Fewer than half of 18-year-olds are registered to vote in California, Texas, Florida, New York and Pennsylvania. The Big State Challenge examines the registration gap, changes since 2022 and how communities can help young voters get ready for the ballot box.
Happy Anniversary to the 26th Amendment, which enshrines the right to vote starting at age 18
As the 26th Amendment turns 55, Laura W. Brill reflects on its promise, its connection to the Declaration of Independence, and the work still needed to help young Americans exercise their right to vote.
New Data Shows Registration Systems Fail Our Youngest Voters
New data shows that 18-year-olds are dramatically under-registered, and that better state policies can help close the gap.
As Driving Declines, So Does Democracy
As fewer teens get driver’s licenses, DMV-based voter registration systems are leaving millions of young people without a clear path to register to vote.
A Pro-Democracy Action for Your Community: Get Students Registered to Vote
A practical guide for using The Civics Center’s state resources to get students registered to vote, share key deadlines, and help new voters prepare for their first election.
INTERVIEW: Youth Voter Investigation Helps NYC Students Take Action
NYC students used data, discussion, and local research to explore youth voter registration and plan projects that support stronger civic participation.
Spotlight on Pennsylvania – In big elections registered youth turn out at high rates
Registered 18-year-olds in Pennsylvania turn out at high rates in major elections, challenging the idea that young voters are apathetic.
What Is the Rule of Law?
Laura W. Brill reflects on the rule of law, voting rights, and civic responsibility, drawing from history and personal experience to examine how individuals respond when institutions falter.
The Civics Center Responds to Louisiana v. Callais
A statement from CEO Laura W. Brill responding to the Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais and its implications for voting rights protections in the United States.
Harvard IOP finds young Americans are losing faith in democracy
A new Harvard IOP poll highlights declining trust among young Americans in democracy and elections, raising concerns about participation and long-term civic engagement.
The League of Women Voters and The Civics Center Join Forces to Empower Young Americans
The League of Women Voters and The Civics Center announce a national partnership to support student-led voter registration drives in high schools across the United States.
New Online Tools Create On-Ramp to US Democracy for Youngest Voters
New state-by-state resources from The Civics Center help high school communities understand voter registration rules, preregistration options, and deadlines, and provide tools to support student-led voter registration drives.
Did your AP Gov Teacher Help You Get Registered to Vote?
New voter file data from New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio reveals a growing youth voter registration gap. Month-by-month data shows how many students are missing from voter rolls and why stronger school-based registration efforts matter.