Committee hears youth testimony and sponsor pitch for HB 21 to allow preregistration at 16

Representative Andy Story summarized House Bill 21 on March 20, telling the House Finance Committee the measure would let 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds preregister to vote three months before they turn 18 and receive a mailed confirmation asking whether they still want to be preregistered. Story told the committee the preregistration file would be kept separate and not be public information until the registrant turns 18.

Members then heard public testimony in favor. Marion Clow of Auke Bay, testifying as a citizen, parent and grandparent, said Alaska’s current preregistration rules are among the most restrictive in the country and urged lawmakers to expand access. “20 states and the District Of Columbia allow preregistration to commence at age 16,” Clow said, and she argued earlier preregistration increases turnout and civic engagement among young people.

Madeline Bass, a Juneau resident who said she is turning 16 this summer, told the committee earlier preregistration would help youths juggling school, college applications and work and would help rural residents who face unreliable mail and internet. “By allowing Alaskans to preregister to vote at 16 or 17, you are allowing them extra necessary time,” she told members.

Committee members praised the young witnesses and asked no substantive amendments during the public‑comment portion. Chair Foster noted the bill has had prior hearings and set an amendment deadline of March 24 at 5 p.m.; he said the committee will take up HB 21’s fiscal note at the next meeting.

The matter remains at the committee stage: no amendments were adopted on March 20 and members indicated further work on the fiscal note and any amendments will come at future meetings.