Senator Carlucci Urges New Yorkers to Register to Vote for 2016 Presidential Primary

New City - (3/23/16) - Senator David Carlucci (D – Rockland/Westchester) urges residents to make sure they are registered to vote as the deadline to register to vote in the New York State 2016 Presidential Primary draws closer. You can download a voter registration form by visiting the New York State Board of Election. 

Following the 2014 elections, it was determined that New York State had the 4th worst voter turnout in the United States, with only 28.8% of voters going to the polls to exercise their right to vote. According to the United States Census Bureau, individuals between the ages of 18-24 are among the least likely demographic to register to vote, with only 46.6% of this demographic registering to vote. Senator Carlucci has sponsored legislation that would provide automatic voter registration through the New York Department of Motor Vehicles, as well as pre-register 16 and 17 year olds to vote when they obtain their drivers license, permit or other identification offered through the DMV. The effort is geared towards increasing voter participation, especially among younger voters that have a much lower turnout percentage than older age brackets. 

At a voter registration drive held by Senator Carlucci at Ossining High School two weeks ago, twenty five students registered to vote. At a voter registration drive held last week by Senator Carlucci in partnership with Rockland Community College, several dozen students registered to vote.

"New Yorkers only have a few days left to register to vote in the 2016 Presidential Primary. It is imperative that everyone be given the opportunity to make their voices heard by casting their ballot on April 19th. An engaged, informed electorate is essential for any democracy to exist, especially getting those who are 18 to 24 years old out to the polls on election day. One way to accomplish this is by allowing New Yorkers to automatically register at the DMV, as well as allowing 16 and 17 year olds to pre-register to vote. By making it easier for students to sign up to vote, we will not only register more voters but engage a new generation of voters in our civic process. Every vote counts, but only by casting your ballot will all of our voices be heard by those we elect to represent us,” said Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester).