Schakowsky Introduces Legislation to Help Register College Students to Vote

SCHAKOWSKY INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO HELP REGISTER COLLEGE STUDENTS TO VOTE

Washington, D.C.–U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) today introduced H.R. 6704, the Student Voter Act of 2008, which would make it easier for college students to register to vote. U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced identical legislation in the Senate today.

"Although we saw an increase in turnout among college students in this year's presidential primary, more must be done to engage college students who have never participated in an election,... said U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL). "My bill will make it easier for college students to register to vote while they register for classes. This simple idea will help increase voter registration and turnout among our nation's youth. Increasing voter turnout among college students will ensure that their voices are heard and that they are part of the political discourse in this country. In this day and age, there is just too much at stake for our youth not to fully participate in their government....

The Student Voter Act of 2008 would require all universities that receive federal funds to offer voter registration to students at the same time they register for classes. The bill would amend the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA or "motor voter act...), which passed Congress in 1994 and requires state and local governments to offer voter registration to citizens when they obtain a driver's license or public assistance benefits. The bill would designate universities that receive federal funds as "voter registration agencies... for the purposes of the NVRA.

Voter turnout among young Americans has declined substantially since the first election after the ratification of the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1971, which lowered the voting age in America to 18. In 1972, 52 percent of Americans ages 18-24 voted for President but in every election since 1972, less than half of young people ages 18-24 voted, and only 36 percent of this group voted in 1996 and 2000. In contrast, nearly 70 percent of Americans ages 45 and older voted in the 2004 presidential election.