Governor Signs Gomez Legislation to Increase Young Voter Education, Registration and Turnout

Last week, Governor Jerry Brown has signed into law AB 700, authored by Assemblymember Jimmy Gomez (D-Northeast Los Angeles). AB 700 incorporates voter education and registration information into the curriculum of American government and civic courses throughout the state. 

“Eighteen to Twenty-four year olds historically account for the lowest number of registered and active voters in our nation. If we want our youth to become registered we must ensure that they grasp the importance and understand their rights when it comes to voting,” Assemblymember Jimmy Gomez said in a written statement. “My bill gives our youth the tools and knowledge necessary to become civically engaged by educating high school seniors on how to register to vote along with information on their rights and opportunities for civic participation.”

The bill would require that when the history-social science framework is revised, the Instructional Quality Commission (IQC) include voter education information in the high school American government and civics courses.

Assemblymember Jimmy Gomez represents the 51st Assembly District, which includes Echo Park, Silver Lake and Eagle Rock.