Voter Pre-registration

Preregistration is a policy that allows eligible people as young as 16 to sign up to be registered to vote once they turn 18. Most states that allow preregistration will add applicants to voter lists under a pending status, which is then updated to active when the voter turns 18. Preregistration increases turnout and engagement for young voters, who are historically the least likely to exercise their right to vote.

State allows preregistration beginning at 16 years old
(20 states + D.C.)
State allows preregistration beginning at 17 years old
(4 states)
State does not set specific age but allows preregistration if individual will turn 18 by the next election
(21 states)
State allows preregistration only within six months or less of 18th birthday
(5 states)

*Note: North Dakota does not require voter registration.

Recommended citation:  Movement Advancement Project. “Voter Pre-Registration.” https://mapresearch.org/democracy-map/voter-pre-registration/. Accessed 10/15/2024.

Breakdown by Population

*Note: These percentages reflect the voting-eligible population, as reported by the United States Election Project.

52%
52% of voting-eligible population live in states that allow 16-year olds to preregister
5%
5% of voting-eligible population live in states that allow 17-year olds to preregister
28%
28% of voting-eligible population live in states that allow preregistration if eligible by 18th birthday
15%
15% of voting-eligible population live in states that allow preregistration only within six months or less of 18th birthday