Santa Clara County’s Registrar of Voters Office and Office of Education said more than 7,000 16- and 17-year-olds have pre-registered to vote during the 2024 election cycle.
Both county offices ran a youth voter education campaign, during which outreach teams visited 11 schools, collaborated with more than 20 educators and hosted three voter registration drives throughout the county.
“The engagement of our young voters is vital for the future of our democracy,” said Matt Moreles, the acting registrar of voters. “By pre-registering, these young individuals are taking a significant step toward ensuring their voices are heard in the electoral process.”
California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber said last month more than 1.2 million youths pre-registered since the program launched in September 2016.
“We are thrilled to see such enthusiasm from our students in the realm of civic engagement,” stated Kelly Wylie, SCCOE executive director of public affairs. “Educating our youth about their rights and responsibilities as voters is crucial for fostering a lifetime of civic involvement.”
“By pre-registering, these young individuals are taking a significant step toward ensuring their voices are heard in the electoral process.” Matt Moreles, Santa Clara County acting Registrar of Voters
Eligible 16-and-17-year-olds can pre-register to vote in California and will be automatically registered on their 18th birthday.
Online pre-registration is available to U.S. citizens and California residents, except for those currently serving a state or federal prison term for a felony conviction or found not mentally competent to vote by a court.
Youth and educators can find additional information on pre-registration, civic-engagement, and other resources on the Registrar of Voters’ website. The ROV high school outreach team is available and can be contacted for tabling events and school presentations.
For more information, visit the Registrar of Voters’ Office or call 408-299-VOTE (8683) or toll-free at 866-430-VOTE (8683).