PROVIDENCE, R.I. (May 7, 2009) – Just one week after unveiling his new “Voters in the Classroom” initiative, more than 930 high school students have already registered to vote, Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis announced today.
“Rhode Island needs citizens who are active and informed. The simple act of registering to vote is a signal that some of these students will go on to be leaders of our state in coming years,” said Mollis.
This week’s stops included East Providence High School, South Kingstown High School and North Smithfield High School. The drives wrapped up this morning at Mt. Hope High School, where more than 90 students registered to vote.
The stops were part of Mollis’ new “Voters in the Classroom” initiative, which is designed to maintain the momentum of last year’s record-setting election season. The voter registration drive will pick up next week with a stop at Cranston High School East on May 13.
The new emphasis on students reflects the reality of a record-breaking year that saw Rhode Island set new marks for the number of registered voters as well as primary and general election turnout. More than 700,000 people were eligible to vote in last November’s election.
“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 students and recently 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.
The Secretary of State’s office plans to visit every Rhode Island high school leading up to the 2010 elections. In order to register, students must be U.S. citizens, residents of Rhode Island and turn age 18 by Election Day 2010.
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