Civics Center Study Finds Pennsylvania Lowest in Youth Voter Registration

A study of 30 states by The Civics Center found that Pennsylvania has the lowest voter registration rate for 18-year-olds, with only 22% registered. This compares poorly to Oregon, which leads with 86%, and neighboring states New Jersey at 48% and West Virginia at 55%. Laura Brill, CEO of The Civics Center, attributes these low numbers to systemic barriers rather than a lack of passion among youth, specifically citing Pennsylvania's lack of preregistration for 16- and 17-year-olds and restrictive registration windows.

Advocates from PA Youth Vote highlight that underfunded civics programs and registration deadlines conflicting with the school calendar further hinder participation. While Pennsylvania lawmakers have introduced bills to allow preregistration, none have succeeded. However, Franklin Towne Charter High School in Philadelphia demonstrates the impact of dedicated efforts, registering 86% of its eligible students in 2025.

Similar challenges persist in California, where approximately 43% of the 517,000 annually eligible 18-year-olds are registered. State Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes introduced legislation to require school boards to provide high school juniors with preregistration information. Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed the initial bill to avoid creating a new state-funded mandate, and a subsequent version died in committee. The governor's office maintains that California remains a top 15 state for youth participation, pointing to existing statutes that allow voluntary instruction.