New America Foundation Commends Governor Schwarzenegger for Signing AB 30, Allowing 17 Year Olds to Preregister to Vote

For Immediate Release

Sacramento, CA -- Just before a midnight deadline, Governor Arnold Schwarznegger signed AB 30, which will enhance civic participation and voter registration of young people. AB 30 (Price) will allow 17 year olds to preregister to vote, with the registration becoming active automatically on their 18th birthday

"We commend Governor Schwarzenegger on signing AB 30, which will make great strides in boosting voter registration and participation of young people," said Steven Hill, director of New America Foundation's Political Reform Program. "California now joins 7 other states, including large and diverse states such as Florida and Texas, in enacting preregistration and enhancing a culture of civic participation in its younger citizens. Voter pre-registration is a great first step toward the goal of universal voter registration."

AB 30 will benefit the Golden State by encouraging higher voter registration and turnout among California's youth, and by encouraging high schools to become more actively involved in youth engagement and civic education. Research shows that people who get involved in the electoral process at an earlier age are much more likely to become lifelong voters. Reseach also shows that preregistration in Florida has boosted voter registration and voter turnout of young people.

Diana Li, president of the California Association of Student Councils (CASC) which was a strong proponent of the legislation, said, "on behalf of the California Association of Student Councils, I would like to thank Governor Schwarzenegger for listening to the voices of students across the state who asked him to sign AB 30. By doing so, he has left a legacy of youth empowerment and opened a new door of opportunity for young people to participate in the democratic process."

AB 30 also will provide uniformity and consistency in election administration. Under previous law, some 17 year olds were able to preregister to vote if they turned 18 before the next election. But the rest could not preregister, which created confusion and inefficient implementation of voter registration laws.

Pete Martineau, Legislative Advocate for AARP speaking on behalf of more than 3 million members of California AARP, said, "this legislation had multi-generational support. We want to thank the Governor for increasing the opportunities to help us register more of our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to vote. Civic participation is essential for a healthy democracy, and we applaud the Governor for signing AB 30."

“We thank Governor Schwarzenegger for signing AB 30 and taking an important step toward greater involvement of young people in the political process,” said Janis R. Hirohama, president of the League of Women Voters of California. “Informed and active participation in government is essential for making our democracy work. Preregistration of 17-year-olds makes sense because it will help engage youth at a time when they are studying the issues and eager to get involved.”

Rob Richie, executive director of FairVote, said, "we applaud Governor Schwarzenegger for boosting opportunities to participate in California and increasing momentum toward the common sense goal of helping all young Americans prepare for a lifetime of participation through voter registration and voter education."

The New America Foundation's Political Reform Program spearheaded a broad, coalition-based effort that was endorsed by the Bay Area Council (a coalition of the 275 largest businesses in the Bay area), the California Association of Student Councils, AARP, California Alliance of Retired Americans, New America Foundation, Secretary of State Debra Bowen, League of Women Voters of California, Common Cause, FairVote, Asian American Action Fund, City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Office of Education, Loyola Marymount University, Project Vote, Rock the Vote and others.

For media inquiries, please contact Elizabeth Wu at 510-295-9859 or wu@newamerica.net.

About the New America Foundation
The New America Foundation is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy institute that invests in new thinkers and new ideas to address the next generation of challenges facing the United States.

Learn More About: Steven Hill
Related Programs: New America in California, Political Reform Program, Universal Voter Registration
Topics: Political Reform