Voter registration.

Existing law authorizes a person who is at least 16 years of age and otherwise meets all voter eligibility requirements to preregister to vote by submitting his or her affidavit of registration. The affidavit of registration is deemed effective as of the date the affiant will be 18 years of age. This bill would lower the minimum age for voter preregistration to 15 years of age. The bill also would make conforming changes to existing law. By increasing the duties of local elections officials in processing voter registrations and related duties, the bill would create a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.