PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis reports that nearly 275 students registered to vote last week as part of his “Voters in the Classroom” initiative.
“Students who register to vote are more likely to become active and informed citizens of this state. Some of these young people will be our leaders of tomorrow. Now is the time to engage them,” said Mollis.
His emphasis on young people reflects the reality of record-breaking elections in 2008 that saw Rhode Island set new marks for the number of registered voters as well as voter turnout.
“Nearly 9 out of 10 eligible Rhode Islanders are already registered. The growth in our state will come from reaching out the newly eligible groups like high school and college students,” said Mollis.
The stops at Coventry High School, Cranston High School East, Smithfield High School and West Warwick High School were thanks to a partnership with the state Board of Elections, school administrators and municipal elections officials.
“I am grateful to our partners for their commitment to this important initiative. Our success will pay dividends for decades to come as these youngsters exercise their right to vote election after election,” Mollis said.
The Secretary of State’s office plans to visit every high school in Rhode Island leading up to the 2010 elections. In order to register, students must be U.S. citizens, residents of Rhode Island and at least 18 years old by Election Day.
“An informed electorate is the keystone of democracy. Our visit produced a new generation of voters and citizens committed to making their voices heard,” Mollis said.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only 59 percent of eligible 18-to-24-year-olds were registered to vote on Election Day 2008. Just 49 percent actually voted in that election.
The Secretary of State’s office prepares the ballots for all federal, state and municipal elections held in Rhode Island. In addition, the office maintains the state’s central voter registration system and distributes handbooks that explain how to run for office, how to register to vote and how to vote.
Secretary of State Mollis is committed to making it easier to vote, helping businesses grow and making government more open and accessible. Students who missed Mollis’ visit are still in luck. They can find voter registration forms and answers to frequently asked questions at sos.ri.gov.
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