Local State Senator Proposes Legislation Aimed At Teens

In an effort to boost voter turnout, State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson introduced new legislation allowing teenagers as young as 15 to pre-register to vote. The bill would allow teens to register at the Department of Motor Vehicles at the same time they are getting their driver’s license or learner’s permit. They would also be able to use the state’s online and mail-in voter registration systems. Registering would be voluntary and participants would still have to wait until they turn 18 to vote. Jackson says her hope is that more young people will become engaged in the political process. Jackson says if her bill passes, it would go into effect at the beginning of 2014.