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Youth advocates and secretary back allowing 16-year-old preregistration to boost turnout
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Summary
Supporters argued HJ 32 will increase long-term turnout by enabling civic education and smoothing registration transitions; some registrars and officials said existing processes already reach students and urged caution about constitutional changes.
Youth activists, civic groups and the Secretary of the State told the committee HJ 32 — a proposed constitutional change to allow preregistration at 16 — would increase youth turnout and civic engagement. Secretary Stephanie Thomas said the data show preregistration at 16 makes young people more likely to vote at 18 and remain engaged.
Several student witnesses and youth organizations described preregistration as a simple administrative change with outsized civic benefit. Chloe Lawson (a 15-year-old student leader) and Brandon Daley (a high-school student leader) said preregistration creates a pathway from civics education to actual participation and reduces lapses when students move for college or work.
Some election administrators urged caution. Lisa Amatruta, Republican registrar of voters in Woodbury, told the committee registrars already visit high schools and that Connecticut allows 17-year-old registration, arguing a constitutional amendment is unnecessary and could complicate ongoing election-system upgrades.
Lawmakers pressed witnesses on whether preregistration requires new systems or major costs; youth leaders and proponents said it is administratively straightforward while improving long-term turnout habits. The committee heard offers to provide comparative data from other states that allow preregistration or local youth voting programs.
