article which allows eligible youths at least 16 years of age to
preregister to vote is intended to increase voter turnout in
emerging and young adults.
Section 1303-E. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this article
shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
"County commission." A registration commission established
under 25 Pa.C.S. § 1203 (relating to commissions).
"Eligible student." An individual enrolled in a school
entity in this Commonwealth who is 16 or 17 years of age.
"Future voter." An eligible student who, except for age,
meets all the qualifications for voting prescribed by the
Constitution of Pennsylvania and the laws of this Commonwealth
and who provides information related to voter registration to
the Department of State or the appropriate county commission to
facilitate preregistration to vote.
"Program." The Future Voter Program established under
section 1304-E.
"School entity." As defined in section 111.1 of the act of
March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code
of 1949.
"Secretary." The Secretary of Education of the Commonwealth.
"Sign up." A procedure that allows an eligible student to
register to vote prior to the time that the eligible student
will be 18 years of age by the next election.
"SURE system." The Statewide Uniform Registry of Electors as
defined in 25 Pa.C.S. § 1102 (relating to definitions).
Section 1304-E. Future Voter Program.
(a) Establishment.--The secretary, in consultation with the
Secretary of the Commonwealth, shall establish the Future Voter
Program for use by school entities to provide age-appropriate
instructions to students in grades one through twelve on topics
related to civics and civic participation, including educational
programming on the history of the Constitution of the United
States and the Constitution of Pennsylvania.
(b) Program components.--The following apply:
(1) On September 17 of each school year, or on the
preceding Friday when September 17 falls on a nonschool day,
"Constitution and Citizenship Day" shall be observed by each
school entity as part of the school entity's program. As part
of this observance, a school entity may designate particular
laws or may develop school-entity specific programming
related to civics and civic participation for special
observance.
(2) During the observance of "Constitution and
Citizenship Day" in accordance with paragraph (1), each
school entity shall, as resources permit, coordinate a voter
registration event in each history or social studies class
scheduled for eligible students. The voter registration event
shall:
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