Roadmap to Reform
California: AB 1819
Sponsor: Assembly Member Price
This bill permits the pre-registering of 16-year-old citizens. According to the U.S. Census Bureau more than 45% of California citizens between the ages of 18 and 24 were not registered as of 2000. According to the Secretary of State, Debra Bowen, “more than 7.2 million eligible voters in California are not registered to vote which is nearly one-third of California's eligible voters.”
Status: Held in Senate Appropriations Committee.
Florida: SB 866
Sponsor: Senator Constantine
This bill changes Florida’s voter pre-registration policy to allow all minors to register to vote after their 16th birthday. Those names are automatically added to the voter roll upon reaching 18-years-old. Previously, only 16-year-olds receiving their driver’s license were eligible to register to vote.
Status: Signed by Governor, Chapter No. 2008-95 on June 5, 2008
Michigan: SB 1136/ HB 5792
Sponsors: Congressman Bieda and Senators Brown, Jacobs, Allen and Shauer
This bill allows sixteen year olds to pre-register to vote at a Secretary of State Office or while receiving a graduated driver’s license if they meet certain conditions. The Secretary of State is responsible for adding the pre-registered voters to the rolls when they reach voting age.
Status: Passed the House on 5/8/2008 but Held in Senate Campaign and Election Oversight Committee.
Maryland: SB 92/HB 310
Sponsors: Delegates Cardin & Rosenberg, Senator Raskin
This bill sets the voter registration age at 16-years-old, where those names are automatically added to the voter roll upon reaching voting age. It also codifies a standing practice in Maryland allowing 17-year-olds to vote in primary elections if they will be 18-years-old on or before the general election.
Status: Passed the House of Delegates (136-0) on March 6, 2008 and Senate (46-0) on April 3, 2008 in different forms. Held in conference committee.