Youth Registration Law Approved in Maryland

With a vote on the final day of the Maryland legislative session and an expected governor's signature, Maryland will become the fifth state with 16-year-old youth voter pre-registration.  The bill, HB 217, is expected to create thousands of new voters and encourage participation among young people.

"This is a big victory for democracy," said its sponsor, Senator Jamie Raskin, "With this legislation, we can now register young people before they graduate and are off into the work force or to college or the military.  All the studies show that, when people register, they vote." 

Other states with 16-year-old pre-registration include Hawaii, Florida, North Carolina and Rhode Island.

Resources:
Progressive States Network -  Expand Youth Voting
FairVote - Testimony on HB 217
Fair Vote - Youth Voter Pre-registration Fact Sheet