Student VOTER Act Of 2009 Reintroduced In Congress

Yesterday, the Student Association for Voter Empowerment (SAVE) held a press conference in the U.S. Capitol to mark the reintroduction of the Student Voter Opportunity To Encourage Registration Act of 2009, otherwise known as the Student VOTER Act (HR 1749). Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Congressman Steven LaTourette (R-OH), co-sponsors of the bill, were on hand to highlight the bill and its importance for voter registration nationwide. Matthew Segal, Executive Director for SAVE, called this bill “a big victory for college students” and declared it SAVE’s top legislative priority for 2009.

The Student VOTER Act of 2009 is bi-partisan legislation that would make voter registration more accessible for millions of young Americans. It would require all colleges and universities that receive federal funds—which is over 90% of all colleges and universities–to offer voter registration during the course enrollment process. A federal voter registration form would be used, enabling students to decide whether to register at their home address or at their campus residence.

Currently, only 40% of colleges and universities are in compliance with the Higher Education Act of 1998, which merely requires a “good-faith effort” to provide means for students to register to vote on their campuses.

This bill has the central goal of increasing the participation of youth voters across this country. As Congressman LaTourette stated in the press conference, “eighty-percent of the 80-year-olds vote, but only 25% of the 25-year-olds vote.” This significant piece of legislation is designed to make it easier for young Americans all across the political spectrum to get registered, and to encourage greater civic engagement among all our nation’s youth.

Read SAVE's memo on the Student VOTER Act here.