FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 28, 2026
Contact: kelsea@nonprofitvote.org
National Voter Registration Day Partners to Uplift First-Ever National Preregistration Day, Centering Youth Power
“Civic engagement starts long before someone turns 18”
Boston, MA – As the nation recognizes the first-ever National Preregistration Day, National Voter Registration Day is highlighting the importance of engaging young people in civic life before they turn 18 and building a future where participation in democracy starts earlier and lasts a lifetime.
“We are building toward a future where National Voter Registration Day is not about first-time registration. It is about staying registered, updating your information after moves or life changes, and staying connected to our democracy. Civic engagement starts long before someone turns 18. Preregistration meets young people where they already are and makes sure they are ready to participate the moment they are eligible,” said Chyann Sapp, Campaign Director of National Voter Registration Day.
“Each year, 4 million teens turn 18, that’s 4 million voices that deserve to be heard in a truly representative democracy. In the face of harmful policies and civil rights rollbacks, young people’s voices are more critical than ever,” said Andy Roo Forrest, Executive Director of Feel Good Action. “Preregistration is a proven way to increase youth voter turnout and foster lifelong civic participation.
Decisions made in statehouses and in Washington, D.C. have a profound impact on young people as they enter adulthood. At a time when many feel both concerned about their future and disillusioned with the political process, it’s up to all of us to champion the power of voting. Ahead of critical elections this year, National Preregistration Day is a celebration of young people’s power and the promise of our democracy” said Forrest.
National Preregistration Day is a nationwide effort led by Feel Good Action and a coalition of partners to help teens take their first step into civic participation by preregistering to vote. Launched in 2026 and held annually during the fourth week of April, the day brings together communities from schools, organizations, and young people to make preregistration visible and create a shared moment of action. Through digital and in-person events, teens are encouraged and supported to learn their rights and preregister so they are ready to vote once they reach the legal voting age.
As part of this inaugural year, partners across the country are hosting events and sharing resources to ensure preregistration is accessible, visible, and integrated into broader civic engagement efforts, helping young people enter adulthood informed, empowered, and ready to participate.
About National Voter Registration Day: The holiday is made possible by the collaborative effort of over 100 major national partners across a diverse array of industries and fields, thousands of community partners, and the generous financial support of Premier Sponsors including the Carnegie Corporation of New York, Google, Microsoft, Levi Strauss & Company, and Paramount. The collaborative holiday is managed and fiscally sponsored by Nonprofit VOTE.