Amends the constitution to allow persons who will be 18 years old at the time of a presidential election to vote in primary election if 17 at the time

1 Co-sponsor

• Timothy M. Kennedy

BILL NUMBER:S3242

Title of bill

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY proposing an amendment to section 1 of article 2 of the constitution, in relation to qualifications of voters

Purpose or general idea of bill

Amends the constitution to allow a person who will be 18 years old a the time of a presidential election to vote in primary election if 17 at the time

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 of article 2 of the constitution is amended to provide that every citizen who is seventeen year of age at the time of a primary election for president of the United States and who will be eighteen years of age at the time of the general election for which such primary election is held shall be eligible to vote in such primary election.

Justification

Allowing 17-year-olds who would be 18 by the time of a general election the opportunity to vote in a primary would be a positive first step as it would allow those individuals who are eligible to vote in November the opportunity to vote for a candidate in the primary, thereby encouraging them to participate in the process. Voting is a basic obligation of being a United States citizen. It only makes sense to get our young people involved and invite them to take part in the election process. Furthermore, this bill would address a shocking inequity in our laws that allow a 17 year old to eligible to enlist in the armed forces and fight in a war but not have the ability to vote.

A grass roots group called Rock the Vote, founded over twenty years ago, encourages young voters to register and vote and to engage in politics. It has expanded its campaign to high school seniors and supports voting in presidential primaries if 17 year old's will turn 18 by the general election. Rock the Vote is dedicated to building the political power of young people by engaging them in the electoral process and urging politicians to pay attention to issues that matter to young voters.

Currently about half of the states allow 17 year old primary voting. Other states allow 17 year old primary voting in a presidential year which is the objective of this legislation.

Prior legislative history

2013-2014: A.523 - Died on 3rd Rdg. S.4758 Died in Judiciary; 2012-2011: A.4464 - Died on 3rd Rdg. S.6123 - Died in Judiciary; 2009-2010: A.5110-Passed Assembly/S.4226-Died on 3rd Rdg; 2008: A.10084-Opinion referred to Judiciary.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

The foregoing amendment be referred to the first regular legislative convening after the next succeeding general election of members of the assembly, an, in conformity with section 1 of article 19 of the constitution, and be published for 3 months previous to the time of such election.