Charleston County Struggles with Low Youth Voter Registration Amid Election Season

Charleston County Faces Challenges in Youth Voter Registration

Hey there, Charleston! It’s election season, and while the turnout in our lovely county was an impressive 202,883 voters, what’s really making waves is the eye-opening number of young folks participating. Only 12,431 of those voters were under the age of 25. That raises some eyebrows, doesn’t it?

A Closer Look at Youth Participation

So, what’s happening with the younger voters? Well, it turns out there’s a bit of a snag in the system. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has stepped forward, alleging that the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has made a misstep by denying some 17-year-olds the chance to register. According to the ACLU, over 17,000 South Carolinians who were 17 at the time were not given the option to register, despite being eligible to vote by Election Day 2024. This has stirred quite the conversation around civic engagement and youthful participation.

Understanding the Laws

Under current South Carolina law, if you’re 17 and will turn 18 before the next election, you can and should register! But here’s the kicker: when you apply for a driver’s license, that application is also supposed to double as your voter registration form. Sounds simple, right? Apparently, it hasn’t been.

A Personal Experience

Take Noah Counts, for instance. This high school senior was pumped to vote after turning 18 just days before the election. But when he waltzed into the DMV thinking he was registered, he hit an unexpected bump. “I walked out ticking the box and *I was like, ‘Sweet, I’m going to be registered to vote,’*” he recalled. But alas! He wasn’t registered, and he caught the issue just in time. Others, however, weren’t so lucky. They left without knowing their voting rights were slipping through the cracks.

Bridging the Information Gap

And why the low numbers from younger voters, you ask? Various groups, including local voting rights coalitions, speak of an information gap. Many young folks might not be adequately informed about the voting process. As Cate Mayer, founder of a local youth advocacy group, notes, “How do we get more folks registered and civically educated?” It’s a great question, and the answer seems to involve making voter registration more accessible.

Looking for Solutions

One innovative route being explored is through “pro-democracy” voter registration policies. Basically, this means looking at different methods for registering to vote that don’t hinge solely on getting a DMV-issued driver’s license. More options might open up, particularly for young people who might not drive or need a license at all.

Taking Action

Be the Ones, the organization spearheading these changes, plans to rally for reforms in the next legislative session, and it seems there’s some enthusiastic bipartisan support. It’s encouraging to see so many people come together for the cause! They’re hoping this will lead to more young people making their voices heard.

A Message to Young Voters

As for Noah, he’s passionate about helping his peers navigate these waters, especially those who feel disillusioned by the political chaos we see on the national stage. “They’ve seen the screaming match that our national political dialogue has become, and they just want to disassociate from it,” he points out. But as he rightly says, “You don’t get rid of it by just disassociating. That lets it continue.”

Take Action!

So, Charleston, let’s make sure our youth are informed, empowered, and ready to make their mark on the ballot. Whether you’re a young voter or know someone who is, let’s start the conversation about registering to vote and making those voices heard! Remember, every vote counts and your voice matters!