If enacted, the bill will amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, establishing a standardized approach for states to incorporate high schools into the voter registration process. It allows public high schools to receive financial assistance from the Secretary of Education to cover the costs associated with organizing voter registration drives. This could increase the number of young voters and promote awareness of voting rights and responsibilities among students, fundamentally aiming to bolster democratic participation in future elections.
Summary
House Bill 8192, titled the 'High School Voter Empowerment Act of 2024', aims to enhance voter registration among high school students by designating all public high schools as voter registration agencies. The bill mandates these schools to conduct voter registration drives for eligible students at least once each academic year, particularly targeting those enrolled in government or economics classes and those aged 17 or older. Such measures are intended to foster civic engagement and ensure that students are informed and ready to participate in the electoral process.
Contention
However, discussions surrounding HB 8192 may reveal potential contention points, particularly regarding the implementation of these voter registration drives. Opponents might argue about the appropriateness of using school resources for political engagement and express concerns over the lack of parental consent for student registrations. Supporters contend that such actions are vital to empower young people and give them a voice in democracy, emphasizing the role of educational institutions in promoting active citizenship.
To amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to treat United States Citizenship and Immigration Services field offices as voter registration agencies, and for other purposes.
Freedom to Vote Act Voters’ Access to Water Act Right to Vote Act Automatic Voter Registration Act of 2023 Help America Run Act Government By the People Act of 2023 Restoring Integrity to America’s Elections Act Stop Super PAC–Candidate Coordination Act Spotlight Act Honest Ads Act DISCLOSE Act of 2023 Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2023 Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act of 2023 Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2023 Democracy Restoration Act of 2023 Voter Registration Modernization Act of 2023 Voter Empowerment Act of 2023