Bill > SB488

This bill modifies Pennsylvania's voter registration laws to introduce a preregistration process for individuals aged 16 and 17, allowing them to submit voter registration information in advance of being eligible to vote. The bill defines "preregistrant" as a person at least 16 years old but not yet 18 who is otherwise eligible to register to vote, and establishes that these preregistrants can submit registration information before they turn 18. The Statewide Uniform Registry of Electors (SURE) system will be updated to track preregistration status and automatically activate a preregistrant's voter registration on their 18th birthday. Government agencies providing voter registration forms must now include information about preregistration, clarifying that individuals can preregister at 16 but cannot vote until they reach 18. The bill also updates various sections of election law to accommodate this new preregistration process, including modifying requirements for voter registration applications, death reporting procedures, and voter qualification definitions. The changes aim to make voter registration more accessible to young people by allowing them to prepare their registration in advance of becoming eligible to vote.