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Sponsors say SJR 22 would let 17‑year‑olds who will be 18 by general election vote in primaries to boost civic engagement
Summary
Senate Joint Resolution 22 would allow 17‑year‑olds who will be 18 by the general election to vote in primaries, sponsors said, as a way to boost early civic engagement and register new voters.
State Representative Diana Gonzales Ford and Senator Greg Lanning presented Senate Joint Resolution 22, proposing that 17‑year‑olds who will be 18 by the general election be allowed to register and vote in primary elections.
Gonzales Ford said the change is intended to increase civic engagement, citing outreach by high‑school students and noting that about 24 states allow 17‑year‑old participation in some primary circumstances. She told the committee that allowing eligible 17‑year‑olds to vote in primaries could help families register together, teach absentee and student voting processes, and encourage continued participation in elections.
Committee members asked whether primary voting by those who will be 18 for the general election could affect general‑election outcomes by shaping which candidates advance. Gonzales Ford acknowledged primaries influence the general ballot and said the purpose of SJR 22 is to give those who will be eligible in November a say in shaping the primary ballot.
No witnesses signed up to oppose or support the resolution; the committee did not take a vote during this hearing.
