Louisiana House Bill HB658

Louisiana 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/20
• Refer: 2/28/20
• Refer: 3/9/20

Caption

Requires school principals to provide an opportunity on the first Tuesday in May for high school seniors to register to vote

Impact

The bill's enactment will make significant changes to the voter registration system for high school seniors in Louisiana. By actively integrating voter registration into the school curriculum, it is expected to increase participation rates among young voters who are often less likely to register on their own. Additionally, by facilitating this process within schools, the bill seeks to educate students about their civic responsibilities, contributing to informed and engaged future citizens.

Summary

House Bill 658, known as the High School Seniors' Voter Registration Day Act, mandates that public high school principals provide an opportunity for high school seniors to register to vote annually on the second Tuesday in May. This bill aims to simplify the voter registration process for new voters, making it accessible directly within the school environment. Through the use of school computers, students can fill out electronic voter registration applications or opt for traditional mail registration methods, thereby fostering an early engagement in the democratic process among young individuals.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 658 appears to be largely positive, especially among proponents who see the measure as a step forward in encouraging civic participation among youth. Supporters argue that this legislative initiative can lead to increased political awareness and responsibility, as students are provided with the means and opportunity to register. However, there could be criticism regarding the potential burden on school resources or the effectiveness of the initiative in actually increasing voter turnout, showcasing a need for ongoing dialogue about its implementation.

Contention

While the bill is framed around enhancing civic engagement, there are underlying concerns about the implications for schools' administrative duties and the overall readiness of the system to accommodate such changes. Critics may question whether schools should be responsible for managing voter registration processes, potentially diverting attention from their primary educational objectives. The implementation of this act will require effective planning and collaboration between education and election authorities to ensure that the initiative can be successful without overwhelming school administrators.