The numbers have popped since 2022
In almost every state we look at, the voter registration rate for 18-year-olds is significantly higher this year than it was in 2022.
This chart says it all. Ten states have seen increases of 10 percentage points or more. Another nine states have seen increases of more than 5 percentage points, but not quite reaching 10.
For each of the states for which we have data from the voter file, we estimated the registration rate of 18-year-olds for the most recent date available. We then looked back to 2022 and estimated the rate at the same point in the cycle. Lo and behold the numbers pop.
Minnesota: More than 50 points up. New Mexico and Michigan, both up more than 30.
Even in states where rates have been historically far below average, like Alabama and South Carolina, rates are up by more than three percentage points in just 4 years.
Ohio and Florida have bumps of 5 points each.
For most states, the data we have is from September or in some cases earlier, as reflected in the chart above. So it doesn’t tell the full story.
Still, if you’re hearing reports about high youth voter turnout, we want you to remember that turnout starts with registration and youth turnout starts with helping people get registered (or pre-registered) even before they turn 18. In big elections, when young voters are registered, they turn out at high rates. And that’s especially true when they get encouragement from people they trust.
There are two opportunities I hope you’ll keep in mind as we finish out this election season:
First, when you’re door knocking for GOTV, don’t forget the newest voters, aka 18-year-olds. Most campaigns overlook them and even though the numbers are up, millions remain unregistered. Please tell those in states with same-day registration that they can still vote on Election Day. And while you’re at it, remember the up-and-comers: take today’s energy and use some of it to remind the 5 million 16- and 17-year-olds who are eligible to pre-register that it’s a great time to get ready for their turn in 2028.
Second, once the 2026 election is in the rear-view mirror, remember that the work of preparing young people for full participation in democracy does not end. Spring 2027 will be the last best chance we have to reach 4 million graduating high school seniors just as they step into their futures. The time and place to welcome them to democracy is right in their schools with their peers. That’s the work The Civics Center has been doing since 2018.