RESEARCH REPORT: New findings from The Civics Center show 18-year-olds are massively under-registered heading into the midterms. Wide disparities exist among states

Written By Laura Brill, Andy Zack and Tadea Martin-Gonzalez

Executive Summary

This data report is the latest in a years-long series of reports issued by The Civics Center to draw attention to barriers to equal participation that young people face as they come of age.

In several past reports, we have shown, with data from the US Census, that 18-year-olds are under-registered in massive numbers. Under 50% are typically registered in presidential years, and under 30% in midterms.

In big elections, contrary to popular belief, registered youth turnout to vote at high rates.

The Civics Center now has access to voter file data from most states across the country. Voter files provide a more accurate view of registration and turnout rates than Census reports.

This report shows, in greater detail than previously reported, the massive under-registration of 18-year-olds in 30 states.

Process and Findings

The Civics Center tracks voter registration and turnout rates for 18-year-olds.

We launched a visualization portal showing rates in 6 states and the counties of these states in October 2025. The results for those states are collected at data.thecivicscenter.org. They show the enormous voter registration gap between the youngest voters (18yos) and older voters (45+), as well as enormous variations among states and among counties within each state we have studied.

We now have access to more state data, and the lessons are just as stark. We see all of the following as of voter file data from May 2026 for 30 states:

  • A 40 percentage point gap between the average registration rate for 18yos in these states vs those 45-79.

  • A 60+ percentage point gap in 18yo VR rates for separating the states with the lowest rates from those with the highest. This is in contrast to variations among states for 45+, where we see almost all states ranging from percentages in the high 80s to the low 90s.

    • Such wide variability among states provides a strong rebuttal to the common wisdom that low youth registration is a problem of youth apathy, as opposed to a situation caused by inadequate systems capable of reaching and engaging young people where they are.

  • The highest states for 18yo registration among states for which we have data are OR, MI, CO, MD, NV, and MA. The lowest are PA, CT, AL, AZ, OK, and OH.

  • All of the highest states allow young people to preregister to vote at least by age 17. NV (17); OR, MI, MD and MA (16); CO (15).

  • All of the lowest states have cutoffs that prevent young people from registering unless they will be 18 by the next election.

  • Some states with above-average registration rates for those age 45 and above have below average rates for 18-year-olds (KY, VT, AL) suggesting that youth may face unique barriers in those states. 

About The Civics Center

The mission of The Civics Center is to make voter registration part of every high school in America.  We believe in data as a force for motivation, organizing, and accountability, not just after-the-fact analysis. 

Everyone can take concrete action to help more teens register to vote. The Civics Center offers resources to get started:

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Laura Brill, Andy Zack and Tadea Martin-Gonzalez