Here's the good news from the study, says author Mindy Romero:
Romero: "There's been dramatic
growth in the numbers of youth registrants in the state of
California over the last decade."
… a 25 percent increase from 2002 to 2010.
Romero: "At the same time,
registration rates for youths are still very low. There's a
32% gap..."
…compared to the overall population. Romero says that's due to inconsistent young voter education programs and barriers in the voter registration system. She says new state laws will help - at least a bit.
Romero: "The recent additions of
online voter registration as well as same-day registration recently
signed - we expect it to increase registration rates for
youth."
Regionally, the Bay Area and Sacramento have higher percentages of youth voters. San Diego and the San Joaquin Valley have lower rates.
