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The Senate unanimously approved legislation Wednesday to ensure young Oklahomans do not miss their first elections. Senator Jason Smalley is the author of Senate Bill 496 to allow those who are at least 17.5 to 18 years old to pre-register to vote.

 Sen. Smalley said Oklahomans currently can’t register to vote until they’re 18 years old.  This can cause them to miss voting if their birthdays fall after the registration deadline for an upcoming election. He further stated that casting one’s first vote is such an exciting right of passage for a young person.  By allowing them to pre-register, they can actually vote on their 18th birthday rather than waiting for their registration to be processed.

Under SB 496, anyone who pre-registers to vote prior to their 18th birthday will be allowed to vote beginning on their birthday.

The measure now moves to the House for further consideration.