Senate approves pre-registration for young OK voters

The Senate unanimously approved legislation Wednesday to ensure young Oklahomans do not miss their first elections. Sen. Jason Smalley is the author of Senate Bill 496 to allow those who are at least 17.5 years old to pre-register to vote.

Currently, a 17-year-old can pre-register to vote 60 days before an election as long as they will turn 18 on or before election day. SB 496 will allow all Oklahomans to pre-register to vote at 17.5 years of age.

“This is an effort to get more young people pre-registered to vote and ready for their first election. It’s easier to remember one’s age than that an election is 60 days out,” said Smalley, R-Stroud. “Casting one’s first vote is such an exciting right of passage for a young person, and we want to make sure as many Oklahoma youth are ready as possible.”

Under SB 496, anyone who pre-registers to vote prior to their 18th birthday and by the voter registration deadline will be allowed to vote beginning on their birthday.

The measure now moves to the House for further consideration.