OLYMPIA – Washington law requires schools to celebrate “Good Citizenship Day” on or around January 16th and create opportunities for students to register to vote. However, that date is out of step with Washington’s general election cycle. This leaves significant distance between what students learn about civic engagement and their first opportunity to put their knowledge into action.
At the urging of Washington’s Legislative Youth Advisory Council, Rep. Tarra Simmons (D-Bremerton) revived a bill (HB 2341) to change the date of the program to the third Tuesday in September. This date aligns with National Voter Registration Day.
First Year Council Member Emma Luce, a junior from Bainbridge Island, brought the bill to Simmons’ attention after working with peers to highlight the need for a more relevant and impactful approach.
“Voter registration and participation, especially among youth, is a foundational aspect of our democracy,” said Luce. “This bill aims to increase awareness through our public schools, bringing resources directly to students.”
“Naturally, I am proud to support the work of one of my constituents,” said Simmons. “But more than that, I am deeply inspired by Emma’s leadership in taking up this legislation and moving it forward. These changes are not only an investment in our students, but an investment in our community to ensure we continue to grow engaged and informed citizens.”
While, in 2025, Washington exceeded its stated goal of registering 50,000 new 17- and 18-year-old voters each year with 57,153 young adults registered, voter turnout among registered 18-24-year-olds decreased in the 2024 general election compared to 2020.
Tying Washington’s youth voter registration effort more closely to its election cycle creates opportunities for students to learn about civic engagement when it is most relevant. House Bill 2341 will help students across the state transform their understanding of civic responsibility from theory into practice.