Reyes Bill to Increase Access to Voter Pre-Registration for High School Students Passes Assembly Policy Committees
Pictured above, from left to right: Valerie Rodriguez, Legislative Aide for Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes; Arturo Orozco, Community Organizer for Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUCPICO); Junior Torres Gutierrez, SBCUSD Student; Angela Cardenas, Youth Organizer for ICUCPICO; Ozzie Dolan, SBCUSD Student; and Ruth Sosa Martinez, Policy Strategist for Power California
(SACRAMENTO) — Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-Colton) today announced that her bill that would make it easier for high school students to pre-register to vote has passed the Assembly Committees on Education and Elections. Senate Bill 316 removes a barrier identified by high school students across California, who have mobilized to increase civic engagement among their peers. The bill will next be presented on the Assembly Floor. More information about SB 316 and Senator Reyes’ 2025 Legislative Package can be found here: Legislation | Senator Eloise Reyes. A video clip of the bill presentation in Assembly Committee on Elections can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZudzM_7_18.
“The young people who approached me about this legislative solution to barriers they and their peers are facing is commendable, and gives me renewed hope for the future of this state,” said Senator Reyes. “Put simply, this bill makes our state’s pre-registration process more equitable across all regions of California, so that all young people everywhere are prepared to perform their civic duty once they turn 18.”
Reyes continued, “I am honored that these students chose me to drive their idea into fruition, and am so pleased that my legislative colleagues have been supportive of their vision.”
Younger voters historically have low voter turnout rates, and yet are deeply affected by a wide range of policies passed by state and federal representatives. States where election laws support voter registration have significantly increased voter turnout among young voters. California is already one of 20 states that make it easier for young voters to register, but did not increase registrations rates among 18-30 year olds between 2020 and 2024, according to Tufts University Tisch College. However, states that have implemented automatic and pre-registration policies have increased youth voter registration by up to 12 percent in that same time period.
To prevent needless registration delays, 16 and 17-year-olds in California are eligible to pre-register to vote. If young people take advantage of this opportunity, they become automatically registered to vote on their 18th birthday. However, annual reports released by the California Secretary of State show a steady decline in the number of students taking advantage of this opportunity. According to the latest data, just 11 percent of 16 and 17 year olds are pre-registered to vote in California.
San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) Board President Mayra Ceballos said, "This Board was proud to express support for SB 316, and reaffirm our commitment to civic engagement. Once passed, SB 316 will empower our community’s students with the tools to become informed, active participants in our democracy. Encouraging voter registration at the high school level is an investment in the health of our communities.”
SBCUSD Board member Abigail Medina said, “I support SB316 because our students - especially those leading through Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC) - deserve real opportunities to understand and participate in the voting process, particularly those in communities too often overlooked.”
Kylie Barker, a young voter in Merced and a member of PowerCA Action said, “I turned 18 in 2020 but didn’t vote - not because I didn't want to, but because I didn't know how. For a largely rural and agricultural region like the Central Valley, where the population is younger than most of the state, many young people are the first members of their families who are eligible to vote, but face many barriers to that process. SB 316 will engage young people early on, and hopefully contribute to a stronger California for all.”
SB 316 would require California school districts to ensure that every student receives information on how and when to navigate the voter registration processes at least once before their eleventh grade. On July 2, the bill passed the Assembly Education Committee on a unanimous vote, and on July 16, it passed the Assembly Committee on Elections on a 4 to 1 vote. Learn more about Senator Reyes’ 2025 Legislative Package at Legislation | Senator Eloise Reyes. A video clip of the bill presentation in Assembly Elections can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZudzM_7_18
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Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes represents Senate District 29, Colton, Fontana, Highland, Loma Linda, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino, Upland, Grand Terrace, Loma Linda, and the unincorporated communities of Bloomington and Muscoy.