Low Teen Voting Rates in Pa, Seton Hill’s Voting Advocacy

By OCEANA FELIPE-SIRNIC

According to a Tribune-Review article written on July 23, 2026, Pennsylvania has the lowest rate of 18-year-olds registering to vote. “Just 22% of 18- year-olds in the state are registered to vote according to a study from The Civics Center. The Civics Center is a nonprofit organization that focuses on registering high school students,” the Tribune wrote. 

Chief Executive Officer and Founder of The Civics Center Laura Brill explained to the Tribune-Review, “Half of U.S. teens live in states where they can preregister at age 16, and what we are definitely seeing is that states with preregistration have higher registration rates for 18-year-olds, just because there’s a bigger on-ramp for people to learn about it.” The article highlights that preregistration for students seems to be a significant component of voting level increases. 

Amanda DeWitt, director of service experience, quoted the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops that, “As a Catholic Institution, we affirm that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society and that this can only be achieved if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. 

“Young adult voting, and civic engagement in general, is critical in the 21st century. This generation will shape the politics of the future and at Seton Hill, we seek to prepare students to shape the future of politics toward the Common Good,” DeWitt shared.

Seton Hill University has been a consistent participant in advocating for voting. In 2022, the University was recognized by the ALL IN Democracy Challenge with a Silver Seal 30-39% voting rate in Seton Hill students.

An ALL IN Silver Seal is reserved for institutions that reach voter rates of 30-39%. Seton Hill’s efforts to continue civic and nonpartisan engagement has had a tremendous impact on voting rates and is fundamental in driving voter participant influence on campus, according to DeWitt. 

Pennsylvania’s voter registration deadline is Oct. 19 and Election Day on Nov. 3.  

DeWitt shared, “In this mid-term election year, we invite you to join in this moral vision for society through the right and responsibility of being a civically engaged citizen.”