October 14th – Scores of Rhode Islanders called their local representatives last week urging them to over-ride the veto of HB 6215, a bill that allows 16 and 17 year olds to pre-register to vote. FairVote RI urged Rhode Islanders to contact their legislators this week, and ask them to vocalize their support for an over-ride of the Governor’s veto.

Micah Salkind, of District Eight in Providence, called his State Rep. to voice his support for the measure. “I called him up, and he was really receptive,” Salkind said.

Earlier in the week, the progressive caucus sent a letter to the General Assembly leadership, urging the over-ride of youth pre-registration among several other bills. By Friday, the last day of the calling drive, about 50 Rhode Islanders had contacted a legislator in support of youth pre-registration, according to FairVote RI Director Ari Savitzky.

“We’re going to keep getting the word out about this bill,” Savitzky said, “This opportunity to improve our democracy is much too great to pass up.”

For information and comment, contact Ari Savitzky at 401.529.3982 or ari@fairvote.org.