ALBANY — You gotta start them young!
Beginning today, many teenagers across New York will be able to preregister to vote thanks to a new law aimed at boosting turnout.
The legislation signed by Gov. Cuomo allows 16- and 17-year-olds to fill out the voter registration application online or at a local Department of Motor Vehicles office in advance of their 18th birthday.
However, they will still have to wait until they are 18 to cast their first ballot.
New York already allows 17-year-olds to pre-register, if they will turn 18 by Dec. 31 the same year they file their application form.
Teens must bring along documents verifying their age, where they live and proving their citizenship to apply early to vote.
At least 13 other states allow younger voters pre-registration privileges, said bill sponsor state Sen. David Carlucci (D-Rockland).
“New York State lags behind almost every other state when it comes to voter participation,” he added.