Rachel Silberstein is reporting for the Times Union New Yorkers as young as 16 can now pre-register to vote. New York is among 14 states that allow 16- and 17-year-olds to pre-register, although they must be 18 before they can cast a ballot. The legislation was part of an extensive electoral reform package signed into law last spring. The measure also requires local boards of education to adopt policies promoting student voter registration and pre-registration. When pre-registered young adults turn 18, they will not have to make a trip to the Board of Elections or a state agency to register. They will be automatically registered by their local board. "The new voter pre-registration law will engage young voters and increase voter turnout not just short term but long term. When young people are engaged from an early age they stay engaged. By eliminating barriers to register and increasing education, we are strengthening our democracy. Right now, young people are demanding political change, and New York will empower all voters early to make their voices heard,” Sen. David Carlucci, said in a statement. Read the full story in the Times Union.