18-year-old NH voter registration nearly doubled with peer-to-peer voter registration program
The Civics Center's Program shows results
Huge room for growth among young voters
There is huge room for growth in voter registration and turnout of 18-year-olds and other young people. The registration rate for 18-year-olds nationally has been about 30% compared with 78% for 65-year-olds. In NH, it has been even lower at 8.5%. But once 18-year-olds are registered, they turn out at 80% or more — comparable with the older groups. They key is how to register more 18-year-olds and other young voters.
The New Hampshire Program
Last year, non-partisan groups The Civics Center and Open Democracy NH partnered in an effort to increase voter registration among 18-year-olds in New Hampshire. The program succeeded in nearly doubling the percent of registered 18-year-olds. And of those registered, 80% or more showed up to vote. The methods and results are summarized in this report by The Civics Center. Here are some highlights:
Registration is difficult in NH because (a) there is no online registration; (b) there are strict ID requirements; and (c) there is no “pre-registration” by 16 and 17-year-olds, as in many other states, including New York and California.
The Civics Center/Open Democracy Program succeeded in nearly doubling the 18-year-old voter registration rate from 8.5% to 15.6% in a year.
The Program relied on:
Existing infrastructure, such as civics honors programs, graduation activities, student government, and school clubs.
Peer-to peer efforts — likely the most important aspect of engaging young people in the voting process.
A statewide “Youth Voter Registration Conference” of over 50 students, educators, volunteers and election officials, resulting in 12 student-educator teams leaving with detailed plans for drives in schools
Making students and educators aware of resources for voter registration, including online workshops and materials such as The Civics Center’s “Democracy in a Box”
The report concludes:
Given training and support, students are willing and excited to engage with their peers and encourage them to register to vote.
You can donate here or volunteer here with The Civics Center.