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Proposal would let 17‑year‑olds vote in primaries if they will be 18 by general election, backers say
Summary
Sen. Greg Letting and Rep. Diana Gonzales presented SJR 22, which would allow 17‑year‑old residents who will be 18 by the general election to vote in primaries; sponsors argued the change would promote civic engagement and early voter registration.
Senator Greg Letting (District 30) and State Representative Diana Gonzales (District 9) presented Senate Joint Resolution 22 to allow 17‑year‑olds who will be 18 by general election day to register and vote in party primary elections.
Representative Gonzales said the measure is intended to increase civic engagement among young voters and to familiarize soon‑to‑be voters with registration and absentee voting procedures. She told the committee that in other states, “24 states currently allow 17 year olds in some cases to vote in primaries so long as they will be 18 on or by election day,” and said door‑to‑door experience in her district showed families often register together and younger household members help complete forms.
Committee members asked whether primary participation by 17‑year‑olds would affect general‑election outcomes. Senator Tucker noted that the proposed change only affects primaries for people who will already be eligible in November; Representative Gonzales agreed but said the primary can be influential in determining which candidates appear on the ballot.
No formal vote was taken; the hearing record shows the presentation and questions from committee members but no committee action.
