U.S. Rep. Don Beyer joined Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota and Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois yesterday to introduce legislation to reform federal elections to allow young Americans 16 and older to pre-register to vote, automatically adding them to voter rolls when they turn 18. Studies show that permitting young people to pre-register increases civic engagement and voter turnout, according to Beyer.

“This reform would encourage more voter participation among young people who will be most affected by public policy as their lives unfold,” said Beyer. “The health of our democracy requires greater engagement from its citizens, and pre-registration is a proven tool to accomplish this.”