PROVIDENCE, RI (April 24, 2009) -- Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis will visit Cumberland High School this Monday to launch a statewide voter registration drive targeting students.
The “Voters in the Classroom” initiative is designed to maintain the momentum of last year’s record-setting election season when Rhode Island set new marks for registered voters and primary and general election turnout.
“Nearly 9 out of 10 eligible Rhode Islanders are already registered. The growth in our state will come from reaching out to newly eligible groups like students and newly naturalized citizens,” said Mollis.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only 46 percent of eligible 18-to-24-year-olds were registered to vote on Election Day 2006. Just 22 percent actually voted in that election.
Cumberland Mayor Daniel McKee and state Board of Elections Executive Director Bob Kando will join Mollis for Monday's announcement, which will precede a voter registration drive. Approximately 150 students are expected to take part.
Mollis plans to hold voter registration drives at every Rhode Island high school, college and citizenship ceremony leading up to the 2010 elections. In order to register, students must be age 18 by Nov. 3, 2010, U.S. citizens and residents of Rhode Island.
The initiative is a partnership with the state Board of Elections, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, municipal leaders and school administrators.
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