An Act establishing the Future Voter Program; providing for prevoter registration of eligible high school students; and imposing powers and duties on the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of the C . . .ommonwealth and county commissions.
Impact
The bill reflects a legislative commitment to increase access to voter registration and improve turnout rates among younger demographics, which statistics show have historically registered at low rates. In 2024, only 9% of registered voters in the state were aged 18-24, prompting this legislative effort to engage prospective young voters before they reach voting age. The Future Voter Program is to be implemented by the Secretary of Education in collaboration with other state officials, with specific provisions for the distribution of voter registration materials in schools.
Summary
House Bill 423, also known as the Future Voter Act, aims to establish a program for pre-registration of eligible high school students (ages 16-17) to encourage civic participation among young voters in Pennsylvania. The bill mandates the creation of the Future Voter Program, which is intended to educate students about the voting process and facilitate their registration through their schools. It advances the goal of enhancing voter turnout among emerging adults by addressing the barriers they face in the traditional voter registration process.
Sentiment
Support for HB423 comes largely from legislators who are focused on increasing voter participation and ensuring informed citizenship among young people. Advocates argue that by allowing students to pre-register, the bill can foster a habit of civic engagement from an early age. However, some critics are likely to raise concerns over the practicality of implementation in schools and whether the measures adequately address the privacy and security of young voter's personal information.
Contention
Discussion surrounding HB423 may highlight potential points of contention, including its effects on existing voter registration systems and privacy concerns regarding personal data of students under 18. The bill seeks to ensure that pre-registration information is secure and that students are not added to the statewide voter registry until they reach voting age. Nevertheless, debates may arise regarding the appropriateness of school systems acting as facilitators for voter registration, and whether the resources necessary for its implementation will be adequately provided.
In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth; and, in county boards of elections, further providing for powers and duties of county boards.
In the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth; and, in county boards of elections, further providing for powers and duties of county boards.
Providing for the registration of labor brokers; imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry and the Secretary of Labor and Industry; establishing the Labor Broker Registration Account; and imposing penalties.
Providing for the registration of labor brokers; imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry and the Secretary of Labor and Industry; establishing the Labor Broker Registration Account; and imposing penalties.
Authorizing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to join the Interstate Compact; providing for the form of the compact; and imposing additional powers and duties on the Governor, the Secretary of the Commonwealth and the Compact.
Authorizing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to join the Interstate Compact; providing for the form of the compact; imposing additional powers and duties on the Governor, the Secretary of the Commonwealth and the Compact.
Authorizing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to join the PA Licensure Interstate Compact; providing for the form of the compact; and imposing additional powers and duties on the Governor, the Secretary of the Commonwealth and the compact.
Authorizing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to join the Interstate Compact for School Psychologists; providing for form of compact; and imposing additional powers and duties on the Governor, the Secretary of the Commonwealth and the Compact.
Authorizing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to join the Interstate Compact for School Psychologists; providing for form of compact; and imposing additional powers and duties on the Governor, the Secretary of the Commonwealth and the Compact.
Authorizing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to join the Athletic Trainer Interstate Compact; providing for the form of the compact; and imposing additional powers and duties on the Governor and the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Providing for the use of a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer identifier in all Commonwealth agency or entity blanks, forms, documents and applications; and imposing penalties.
A BILL to amend and reenact ยงยง 58.1-416, as it is effective and as it may become effective, 58.1-422.4, and 58.1-422.5, as it may become effective, of the Code of Virginia and to repeal the third enactment of Chapter 256 and the third enactment of Chapter 257 of the Acts of Assembly of 2022, relating to corporate income tax; sourcing of sales other than sales of tangible personal property.
A Joint Resolution proposing integrated amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, providing for the election and qualifications of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.