Fort Smith, ARK – As the Arkansas legislative session approaches, a new bill filed by State Representative Andrew Collins aims to lower the state’s voter registration age from 18 to 16. The proposed legislation would allow 16-year-olds to pre-register to vote, a policy already in place in several other states across the U.S.
Collins, a Democrat representing District 73, emphasized that this bill is designed to encourage youth participation in the democratic process. “Actually, a majority of states already allow for pre-registration at 16 or 17, and some even have it lower,” Collins explained. “The idea is to encourage voting and allow people to register when they are in high school so that when they turn 18, they are ready to vote.”
Currently, Arkansas ranks low in voter registration, with 2020 data showing the state at the bottom nationwide. For the 2024 general election, voter registration numbers are down by 5,000 compared to 2020. Collins believes that simplifying the registration process and allowing younger Arkansans to register early could help reverse these trends.
“In the past election, we saw relatively low voter turnout in Arkansas,” Collins said. “Pre-registering young people before they turn 18 has been shown to increase youth voter turnout, and that’s something we should all want.”
The bill’s supporters argue that registering young people while they are still in high school would make it easier for them to vote when they reach legal voting age. Collins emphasized that the goal is to create a smooth transition into voting once young people become eligible. “Once they turn 18, they should be able to vote easily,” he said. “If they register while they’re in high school, they will already be excited and ready to participate in the process.”
The proposal has already gained bipartisan support in the state legislature, and Collins hopes it will make a meaningful difference in encouraging civic engagement. If passed, the bill would make Arkansas one of the growing number of states that allow young people to pre-register to vote, helping to pave the way for a more engaged and active electorate.
The bill is expected to be voted on in January during the upcoming legislative session. If approved, it could significantly change the way young people in Arkansas engage with the voting process, with potential long-term effects on voter turnout in future elections.