St. Mary's County elections staff tell youth commission 16-year-olds can register, urge teens to serve as election judges

Representatives from the St. Mary's County Board of Elections told the County Youth Advisory Commission on Feb. 3 that 16-year-olds may register to vote and that the office is actively recruiting young people to serve as paid election judges.

The presentation, led by Tae Fre and Sarah Leavitt of the St. Mary's County Board of Elections, explained who is eligible to register and work at polling places, key deadlines for the 2020 primaries and practical steps for students who want to participate.

"Did you know that 16 year olds can register to vote?" Fre asked the commission. She said 16-year-olds can register when they get their driving permit; they will not be able to vote until they turn 18, but will be automatically eligible for the next election once they reach voting age.

The nut of the presentation was that registration is straightforward but that there are other hurdles that affect turnout. "The deadline is April 7th to register to vote," Leavitt said, referring to the…