A "Fantastic Measure" to Boost Student Voting

The CFB’s Voter Assistance Advisory Committee on August 5 endorsed City Council Resolution No. 281, which would establish an official Student Voter Registration Day (SVRD) in New York City.

The resolution, introduced by Council Members Helen Rosenthal, Ben Kallos, and Mark Levine, calls on Mayor de Blasio to sign an executive order requiring New York City public schools to observe SVRD. Schools would hold activities and voter registration drives aimed at increasing student participation in the political process. SVRD would take place annually on the third Friday in March.

CFB analysis of turnout from the 2013 elections shows that while young voters tend to register to vote at nearly the same frequency as older voters, few of them turn out to vote. Just 11 percent of 18-29 year old registered voters cast a ballot in last year’s general election. VAAC member John Avlon called SVRD a “fantastic measure.”

“We are prepared to do what’s necessary to help educate students under the leadership of our staff,” added VAAC chair Art Chang.

Rosenthal also requested assistance with developing SVRD curriculum and training for teachers. “Having the Council’s enthusiasm and your enthusiasm to help with the curriculum, will help make [SVRD] a reality,” Rosenthal said.

“SVRD will encourage a sense of importance in voter registration by encouraging schools to hold civic activities and drives to promote participation in the political process,” said Youth Voter Coordinator Chyann Sapp.

There was discussion about whether it would be more appropriate to establish SVRD in the fall, closer to city elections when schools often run their own engagement initiatives. Rosenthal said her staff considered this proposal, but worried about meeting registration deadlines and reaching as many 17- and 18-year-old students as possible. For primary elections, the registration deadlines fall before the start of the school year.

The VAAC’s endorsement comes as NYC Votes gears up for National Voter Registration Day on September 23, 2014. NYC Votes will partner with local organizations to host two big voter registration events in Manhattan. With additional on-the-street drives across the five boroughs, NYC Votes will try to engage New York City citizens in civic education and participation.

It’s not too late to register for the September 9 primary or November 4 general election! Get your form here and submit it to the NYC BOE. Forms must be postmarked by August 15 to be eligible to vote in the primary, and by October 10 to be eligible for the general.