Albany, NY – New York State Senator Lea Webb (Senate District 52) and Assemblymember Steven Raga (Assembly District 30) have introduced the Student Voter Empowerment Act, a landmark bill to expand civic engagement among college students in New York. The legislation would require public colleges and universities to designate Student Voting Coordinators, implement two-year student voting action plans, and provide nonpartisan election-related information through multiple channels, ensuring students have the resources they need to participate in elections.

The bill comes after a jump in student voter turnout in New York’s 2024 election, where young voters played a decisive role in shaping key races across the state. Since the last midterm election, turnout doubled among young people who live on or near Vassar College and SUNY New Paltz campuses and tripled among young people who live on or near Binghamton and Cornell universities.

Modeled after successful initiatives in California, Maryland, and Minnesota, this bill strengthens existing voter registration policies at CUNY and SUNY schools and expands and standardizes student voter engagement practices. By making colleges trusted messengers of civic information, the legislation seeks to close the youth voter registration and turnout gap, ensuring all students have access to clear, standardized election information.

State Assemblymember Steven Raga stated: "College students are a powerful voice in our democracy, and that's why I'm proud to be partnering with GenVote and Senator Webb to introduce the Student Voter Empowerment Act. By designating a dedicated student voting coordinator in colleges, we are making it easier for students to register, vote, and engage in the democratic process—no matter their party affiliation. This bill will ensure all students have the resources and support they need to fully participate in our elections. I look forward to working with my colleagues and GenVote to pass this bill this year."

State Senator Lea Webb said: "Ensuring that every student has access to the tools and information they need to participate in our democracy is essential. The Student Voter Empowerment Act is a crucial step toward making civic engagement more accessible by requiring each SUNY and CUNY institution to designate a staff member dedicated to voter education and registration. By providing students with the resources they need to make their voices heard, we are strengthening our democracy and fostering a new generation of engaged citizens."

Brianna Cea, Executive Director of Generation Vote, commented: “The Student Voter Empowerment Act has been a key part of Generation Vote’s New York Youth Voting Rights and Engagement Platform since 2019, and we are thrilled to introduce this bill in partnership with Senator Webb and Assemblymember Raga. For years, we’ve worked alongside students, advocates, and lawmakers to ensure that students in New York have the resources they need to fully participate in our democracy and we’ve incorporated these learnings into the strongest Student Voter Empowerment Act in the country. The introduction of this landmark legislation is a major step toward institutionalizing strong voter engagement practices across our public universities and colleges, and we look forward to working with our partners to make it a reality in New York.”

Sierra Ford, Elections @ Bard College mentioned: "As students who activate other students to get out the vote, our organization cannot be more excited about the New York Student Voter Empowerment Act’s progress in the state legislature. We are proud champions of this bill as we know it will make an incredible impact on youth voter participation at our institution, Bard College, and other colleges and universities across the state."

Judy Goldstein, a student at Barnard College, said: “Young voters have the power to shape the future, but systemic barriers and a lack of accessible election information keep many from casting their ballots. I support the Student Voter Empowerment Act because it ensures that all college students – regardless of whether they attend public or private institutions – have access to vital election information.”

Chris Bottini, Policy Coordinator of NYPIRG, affirmed: “In the half century since the voting age was lowered to 18, college students have faced many barriers to exercising their right to vote -- especially from their college campus. As a result, voting rates among student populations have been suppressed in a state that suffers from low voter turnout. The Student Voter Empowerment Act will make a major step forward in providing SUNY and CUNY students with the resources and information to get registered and make their voices heard in elections. We applaud Senator Webb and Assemblymember Raga for introducing this bill to strengthen students’ right to vote.”

Randy Frazer, Executive Director of Y Vote, shared: "The Student Voter Empowerment Act takes a bold step toward embedding civic responsibility into the fabric of higher education. By ensuring students have the resources, guidance, and institutional support to navigate the voting process, this legislation removes unnecessary barriers and reinforces the idea that participating in democracy is not just a right, but a fundamental part of the college experience. Empowering young voters strengthens our democracy for generations to come, and we applaud Senator Webb for advancing this critical effort."

Rashawn Davis, Executive Director of the Andrew Goodman Foundation, remarked: “Now more than ever, young people are feeling increasing distrust and disconnection from our civic institutions. Our democracy has always been at its best when young people are engaged and empowered to participate. The Student Voter Empowerment Act is a critical step toward ensuring that students in New York have the resources and support they need to make their voices heard. I am incredibly grateful to see this bill introduced and look forward to its passage—a win for young people across New York."

Ben Weinberg, Director of Public Policy for Citizen Union, noted: "Voting is a habit that often starts in college, and (S2056 / A3954) will help cultivate it. By establishing voter engagement programs on campuses and providing students with the resources to vote, this bill will help build the next generation of New York voters."

Susan Lerner, Executive Director of Common Cause New York, remarked: "With important local elections just months away, our public institutions have an obligation to ensure every student has the necessary resources for a successful Election Day experience. We urge the Legislature to pass this important bill and empower trusted resources to educate young voters, combat misinformation, and guarantee every student can make their voices heard."

Jarret Berg, Co-Founder & Voting Rights Counsel at Vote Early New York, said: "We are thrilled to see the Student Voter Empowerment Act introduced in both chambers in Albany and look forward to working with the sponsors, policymakers, and colleagues to improve voter access and civil rights safeguards for students across the city and state."