The 26th Amendment in 1971 gave young people aged 18-21 the right to vote. But serious obstacles to exercising that right have impeded the youth vote. As a result, young people vote at lower rates than any other age group.

Among the obstacles to youth voting are the lack of polling sites on or near college campuses, the fact that college IDs are invalid proof of identity at the polls, and the requirement to re-register even if students are only changing dorm rooms. All these problems - and more – work to disenfranchise students.

But these obstacles can be removed to make voting more accessible for young Americans. Reforms will better enable them to exercise their fundamental right.

Since 2001, Democracy Matters, a student organization with nationwide campus chapters - including at nearby Vassar College, SUNY New Paltz and Dutchess Community College –has been working to strengthen the right to vote.

 Eliminating impediments to youth voting would not only increase young people’s political involvement, but would also bring closer to fulfillment the promise of an America of, by, and for all the people.