Resolution calling upon the Mayor of the City of New York to create an annual Student Voter Registration Day.

By Council Members Rosenthal, Levine, Kallos, Constantinides, Cumbo, Ferreras-Copeland, Gentile, Mendez, Reynoso, Rodriguez, Torres, Richards, Miller, Menchaca, Van Bramer, Cohen and Levin

Whereas, According to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, only 19.9% of 18-to 29-year-olds cast ballots in the 2014 elections nationally, the lowest rate in 40 years; and

Whereas, An analysis by the New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB) found that only 11% of 18- to 29-year-old registered New Yorkers cast ballots in the 2013 general elections; and

Whereas, According to a report by the Center for American Progress Action Fund, by 2020, the millennial generation will comprise just under 40% of all eligible voters nationwide; and

Whereas, Eligible voters who do not register by the age of 18 and do not attend college are the least likely group to vote in their lifetimes, which means that they will not be represented in the political process, and are less likely to have their issues addressed or become involved in their communities; and

Whereas, A 2012 CFB report speculated that part of the reason young voters are so underrepresented is because they are generally not engaged by political campaigns, and as a result, do not feel like their vote makes a difference or that voting is important; and

Whereas, New York City schools offer the best opportunity to engage students and prepare them for civic engagement as citizens and non-citizens; and

Whereas, Schools in New York City should participate in an annual Student Voter Registration Day with voter and civic education, discussion, services and activities for citizen and non-citizen students, and voter registration for eligible 17- and 18-year-olds; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the Mayor of the City of New York to create an annual Student Voter Registration Day.

AM/dss/LW

2/23/2016

LS#494