A new analysis released by The Civics Center reveals that 19% of 16- and 17-year-olds are pre-registered to vote in Rhode Island. Providence County, with the largest population in the State, has the lowest preregistration rate -- just 12%. On the flip side, Bristol County, with the lowest population has the highest preregistration rate at 26%
In 2011, Rhode Island’s Voter ID law took effect requiring voters to provide a valid form of identification upon showing up to cast their ballots on the day of the election. In all counties except for Bristol, the pre-registration rate was lower than 20%.
A recent study suggests that Voter ID laws disenfranchise those who may not already possess or have access to a driver’s license and other valid forms of identification--a potential problem for many 16- and 17-year-olds. In fact, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research, Rhode Island voter registration and turnout have decreased among young people since the state’s Voter ID law took effect.
