STATEMENT: Campus Progress Director Anne Johnson on New Study Showing Close to 1 Million Young Minor
Washington D.C. — Today, a new study was released showing that as many as 1 million minority voters under 30 might be unable to cast a ballot in November as a result of photo ID laws in certain states. Conducted by researchers at the University of Chicago and Washington University in St. Louis, the study found that:
- Seventeen states — including Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin — have passed restri ctive voter ID laws, with some already in effect.
- Conservative estimates show this could decrease young voter turnout by as much as 16 percent for Latinos and 25 percent for African-Americans this election year.
- Overall, as many as 1 million young minority voters may not be able to vote, including:
- 170,000 to 475,000 young black voters.
- 68,000 to 250,000 young Hispanic voters.
- 13,000 to 46,000 young Asian-American voters.
Anne Johnson, Director of Campus Progress, released the following statement:
Young Americans have been turning out to vote in increasing numbers over the last decade and that’s because we know how important it is to make our voices heard. But these restrictive Voter ID laws will turn back the clock and make it harder for young people, to vote in this election.
Our democracy only works when every eligible voter has a voice, and these laws will create a serious impediment to civic engagement.
To speak to CP experts, please contact Abraham White at 202.478.6321 or awhite@americanprogress.org.
