Bronx County 18-year-olds have state's lowest voter registration rate: report

New data shows that rates of voter registration among Bronx 18-year-olds are the lowest in the state — but local advocates, plus a few new state laws, aim to turn that around.

New York City as a whole lags behind the rest of the state in voter registration for 18-year-olds, and Bronx County ranks dead last at 18.6%, according to research published by The Civics Center, an Los Angeles-based nonprofit working to improve youth voter registration. The state has work to do overall, with 150,000 18-year-olds remaining unregistered in New York — just a 40% registration rate for that age group.

By contrast, New Yorkers over age 45 are registered at a rate of 77%, according to The Civics Center.

Recent changes to state law have aimed to make voter registration more accessible to young people. A law passed in 2020 allowed 16- and 17-year-olds to preregister to vote (although they cannot cast a ballot until they turn 18), and a new law took effect on July 1 requiring all local boards of education, school boards, charter schools and private schools to promote voter registration. Additionally, online voter registration is available for New York City residents without a driver’s license or permit, removing more potential barriers.




https://www.bxtimes.com/bronx-county-18-year-olds-have-states-lowest-voter-registration-rate-report/