San Luis Obispo -- More young people are joining the ranks of registered voters here in California. A UC Davis study just released shows a twenty-five percent increase in the number of 18-to-24-year-olds who registered in the last several years. Still, only about half of the eligible voters in that age range registered, compared to about three-quarters of the general population. The study's author also says youth from poorer communities were the least represented.
Mindy Romero, the Director, of the California Civic Engagement Project says, "Those regions that have the lowest rates for youth also are regions that have some of the poorest outcomes in terms of poverty, high school dropout rates, college going rates, variety of factors, meaning that youth that are in most need in our state, regionally, are also those that have the smallest voice in the decisions that affect their lives and the lives of their communities." Romero adds same-day registration and outreach to high school students are two key ways to increase the number of young voters.
