The Vanishing Youth Vote: Disenfranchisement, or Encumbrance? The Impact of Expansive and Inclusive Voter Registration Reform

Abstract

In the United States. voting is a unique teo-step process requiring citizens to first register to vote, sometimes several weeks in advance of an election, which can have the effect of precluding certain voters. This study focuses on the impact expansive, inclusive voter registration reform can have on registration and turnout rates among 18 to 24-year-olds, as well as to overall voter turnout. This is accomplished by comparing registration rates and turnout rates of a proportional representative sample of states with and without Election Day Registration. While not being explicitly causal, states with Election Day Registration consistently have higher turnout rates among all age groups. This study also goes further to investigate the benefits of opt-out registration in Oregon. Since implementation, Oregon has registered 34,410 new voters, which equates to 15,375 per month. Ultimately, the results will show that by removing encumbrances to the polls through Election Day Registration, or further shifting the burden of registration to the state, as opposed to voters, through an opt-out system, has a positive effect on registration and turnout rates for young voters.