5605 Voter Registration for Students

The Board of Education believes that getting young people involved in the election process helps to secure the future of democracy by preparing young people to be educated, engaged voters who have formed the habit of voting and contributing to civic life early.

In accordance with the law and in an effort to promote student voter registration, the Board directs the Superintendent or their designee to offer all students who are at least 16 years old (but will not be 18 years old by the next election) the opportunities to pre-register to vote. These students must be otherwise qualified to register to vote. Students pre-registering to vote will be automatically registered upon reaching the age of eligibility following verification of the person’s qualifications and address.

The District will provide students with access to voter registration and pre-registration applications during the school year and assistance with filing such applications. The District will inform students of the State requirements for voter registration and pre-registration. The District will meet these obligations by offering registration and pre-registration material through Social Studies classes.

The District will make every effort to ensure voter registration and pre-registration policies and activities provide equal opportunities for students with disabilities, including those who receive out-of-district services. Students who are at least sixteen years old with disabilities are eligible to pre-register to vote. All programs will be available in accessible formats, including to those who receive services outside the District, such as those in BOCES programs, at private schools, in residential placements, receiving home services, and other out-of-district placements. Opportunities for students with disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, to register or pre-register to vote. Only a judge through a court proceeding can determine if an individual is unable to vote.

In addition to providing inclusive voter registration programming, the District will educate students with disabilities about their rights as voters, including their right to cast a ballot privately and independently, use an accessible voting machine, and vote with assistance from a trusted person. Students, including those with disabilities, may be eligible to become poll workers.

Students who do not wish to register or pre-register to vote do not have to do so. There will be no penalty (including participation grades or credits) for choosing not to register or pre-register.

Ref: Election Law § 5-507

Adoption Date: 05/21/20

Revised and Adopted by the Board of Education: 07/18/24

Download the Voter Registration for Students PDF