Hayden Panettiere Says Declare Yourself

When a girl turns 18, the world is her oyster. There’s all kinds of new experiences and privileges once that golden age is reached. And for Hayden Panettiere, her right to vote was the first thing she exercised on her birthday.

The Heroes hottie registered herself to vote today, as part of the “Declare Yourself” campaign. While some newly-legal teens buy lotto tickets and go out clubbing, this girl decided to do her civil duty.

Declare Yourself is a national nonpartisan, nonprofit youth voter initiative aimed at empowering and encouraging America’s 18-year-olds to register and vote in the 2008 primaries and general election.

She told press, "As an 18-year-old, I wanted to register so I can vote in the 2008 elections, and 'Declare Yourself' makes the process so easy to do. I can't think of a better way to make a difference in today's society than by voting to make sure that my voice is heard."

Enjoy the pictures of Hayden registering to vote, with "hands-on" help from a volunteer (August 21).