An effort to get the next generation of young New Yorkers to register to vote got underway Friday.

At Co-op City's Harry S. Truman High School in Baychester, New York City Councilman Andy King (D-12th District) addressed students during an assembly. He told them that elected officials and others pay attention to citizens who participate in the political process. He also spoke about how minorities have faced obstacles at the polls.

The citywide "Student Voter Registration Day" was held at 61 high schools. The goal was to get 20,000 students registered. Students were given registration cards at assemblies. About 90 students filled out cards at Truman.

"I'm terrified of how this election is going to turn out," said student Rene Wells, 18. "You can't complain about who ends up being president if you didn't go out and vote."

Student Aaron Ambrose said he appreciated the information because he wouldn't have known how to register to vote otherwise.

Anyone who is a U.S. citizen and will be 18 years old by Dec. 31 can register to vote. Depending on when they turn 18, they could be eligible to vote as early as the New York primary on April 19.