YOUTH AND THE VOTE

Please select a state from the dropdown below to view detailed information and resources regarding Youth Voting in that state.

District of Columbia

2014
2016
2018
2020
2022
2024
Midterm
General
Midterm
General
Midterm
General
VOTER TURNOUT 18-29
32.20% 69.80% 56.70% 85.30% 49% Frey*
VOTER TURNOUT 18-19
Census*
REGISTRATION RATE 18-24
60% CIRCLE*
VOTER TURNOUT 18-24
43.70% Census*

WASHINGTON DC

43.70%

YOUTH TURNOUT

Ages 18-24 (Census)

WASHINGTON, DC YOUTH VOTE

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TOP STRATEGIES/INITIATIVES TO INCREASE REGISTRATION & TURNOUT OF YOUNG VOTERS

State efforts to facilitate youth voting

High school Initiatives

  • Registration: Pre-registration available from 16. Registration and voting is allowed at 17 in primary elections if 18 by the general.
  • Board of Elections outreach to DC high schools and campuses.
  • From age 16, students can be paid poll workers. 
  • LWVDC supports high school registration.
  • On-line National Youth Summit for middle and high school students at DC-based Smithsonian Institution.
  • Successful high school voter registration:
    • National Honor Society and Rotary Interact chapters leading voter registration at Richard Wright PCS.
  • 2024: State Board of Education resolution to create a citywide high school voter registration contest.

Find your high school!

College and University initiatives

OTHER INFLUENCES
  • Voters 18-29 represent 27.1% of the electorate – the highest proportion in the US (tied with Utah). 
  • Lack of statehood status and full Congressional representation may decrease interest in elections.  
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This profile was prepared by Your Voice Matters, a nonpartisan initiative to increase registration of youth.

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    Click here for information on the DC High School Voter Registration Initiative