New York: Real Progress Is Underway In Welcoming Young Voters
Online Voter Registration Is Here
You Can Speak Out Now To Bring Voter Registration To Every High School In The State
New York friends and family, please forgive me for saying this, but democracy has not always been at its best in your fair state.
As of February 2023, The Civics Center’s research showed that only 16.5% of 16- and 17-year-olds had taken advantage of the state’s voter preregistration law, and wide disparities existed. In the Bronx, only 2.9 percent of 16- and 17-year-olds were preregistered. Citywide, the rate was only 5.2%. Ten upstate counties achieved rates above 40%, a notable achievement given that no one can preregister before they turn 16.
One explanation for the low rates, especially in New York City, has been the lack of an effective and accessible statewide system for online voter registration. According to a recent report by Brigid Bergin in Gothamist, however, all that has just changed, as the state’s long delayed online system is now open for business.
For young people, one of the best things about the new system is that it does not require an identification card issued by the NY DVM. Many online voter registration systems do have such requirements. The need for a DMV-issued ID creates special obstacles for young people, who often do not drive. The barriers are highest for City youth, especially in New York, where so many rely on mass transit.
NY City residents without a state ID can register here.
NY residents who live outside of the five boroughs and who do not have a state ID can register here.
State residents with a DMV issued ID can register here.
NY is not alone in doing away with the requirement for a driver’s license or state ID as the gate-key to online voter registration. Pennsylvania has done away with this obstacle in its online system. For any high school or college students reading this post: why not make it your capstone project to get your state to do the same?
In the meantime, here are two more projects for young New Yorkers and anyone who cares about their place in democracy. The NY state legislature has passed two bills which, if signed by Governor Hochul, will make voting more accessible for youth.
1. S1733A seeks better implementation of high school voter registration and preregistration efforts. If signed, all school districts will need policies in place that require schools to help students register and preregister to vote. The obligation applies to charter schools and non-public schools, as well.
New Yorkers interested in urging Governor Hochul to approve the bill can send her a supportive email.
2. The New York Early Mail Voter Act (S7394A) has also passed both houses of the NY Legislature and is awaiting signature by the Governor. If signed, it will make New York the 36th state to allow no-excuse vote by mail for all registered voters. Currently the state allows absentee voting only for those who have specific excuses. Brigid Bergin has a Gothamist article providing more details on this bill, as well.
Vote-by-mail is especially important for young people, who often are not physically present on Election Day in the place where they are registered. You can send a message to Governor Hochul in support of this bill here.
Imagine: What if every state, including New York, made it a priority to pass laws that put democracy first?