Senate approves measure to let some 17-year-olds vote in primaries; supporters cite student activism
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Summary
The Senate passed a concurrent resolution (senate print 3231) to amend the constitution so certain 17-year-olds who will be 18 by the general election can vote in primaries. Sponsors and backers — including students who lobbied the chamber — argued the change increases civic participation; the vote was recorded as 43-17 in favor.
The New York State Senate voted to approve a concurrent resolution proposing a constitutional amendment that would allow 17-year-olds who will be 18 by the general election to vote in primary elections.
Senator Bailey, the floor sponsor, framed the measure as a way to include civically engaged high-school students who otherwise miss the chance to vote in primaries because their birthday falls after a primary date. Bailey noted students from Mamaroneck High School and their teacher visited the Senate to urge action and described the proposal as "common sense" enfranchisement for young people who will be eligible by the general election.
Several senators explained their affirmative votes on the floor. One colleague commended Bailey and the students and urged support because the change would allow interested 17-year-olds to participate in the candidate-selection process. Senator Krueger and others recounted interactions with young voters and said the proposal responds to students already engaged in civics and local campaigns.
When the roll call was announced, the transcript records the result for the concurrent resolution as "Ayes 43, Nays 17," and the measure was recorded as passed by the Senate. The transcript includes multiple floor explanations of vote by senators who credited students and community civic-education programs for helping shape support for the measure.
The passage recorded on the floor sends the proposed constitutional change forward in the legislative process as reflected in the Senate calendar reading.
