HB 637 Summary

• Allows 16 and 17 year olds who will be 18 by the next general election to preregister to vote by submitting a standard voter registration application.

• Board of elections must maintain preregistration applications separately from voter records and retain them confidentially until the applicant turns 18, at which point they are automatically registered.

• Requires public high schools to observe "Future Voter Day" on January 16th annually (or last school day before) and conduct voter registration programs for eligible students age 16 and older.

• Expands voter registration opportunities by requiring designated agencies, high schools, vocational schools, public libraries, county treasurers, and motor vehicle bureaus to provide assistance with preregistration applications.

• Mandates that the Secretary of State's voter registration informational brochure include information about preregistration procedures and deadlines for 16 and 17 year olds.