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Board opposes lowering BOE voting age, backs funding‑report amendment and divides on student voting rights
Summary
At its Jan. 29 meeting the Howard County Board of Education voted to oppose a proposal to lower the voting age for BOE elections, supported a reporting amendment on minimum school funding, and deadlocked on extending voting rights to the student member of the board.
The Howard County Board of Education took multiple formal positions on local legislation during a long legislative report and discussion on Jan. 29.
After committee presentation, Dr. David Chen moved that the board oppose HOCO 5‑26, a Howard County bill to lower the voting age for Board of Education elections. The motion carried 6–2. Board members recorded their votes by roll call: Dr. Chen (yes), Ms. Ricks (yes), Ms. Watts (yes), Mr. Allister (no), Ms. McCoy (yes), Ms. Shambly (yes), Ms. Mosley (no), Ms. Mallow (yes). The board thus adopted an official position opposing the bill.
The board considered HOCO 7‑26, which would extend voting rights for the student member of the board. A motion to support the bill — proposed by Mr. Allister and seconded — failed in a 4–4 tie, so the board left the item with no official position.
On HOCO 10‑26 (minimum funding), the legislative committee recommended support with an amendment converting the proposal into a reporting requirement rather than a statutory funding mandate. Dr. Chen moved to support HOCO 10‑26 with that amendment; the motion passed 7–1.
The board also took positions on other bills and county council items, including a unanimous 8‑0 vote to support CB 10‑26 (county bill regarding excess surplus revenue modification) after debate on whether the language should be limited to FY2028 or amended.
Board members framed their votes with a mix of practical and legal concerns. Ms. Watts said she opposed lowering the voting age for BOE elections because it could complicate the ballot process and election administration; Dr. Chen and other proponents cited civic engagement benefits from earlier voting exposure. On student member voting rights, advocates said giving the student member a vote on budget and redistricting matters would make the position substantive rather than symbolic; detractors raised concerns about representation and term length.
What happens next: The board's positions will be transmitted to the Howard County delegation and County Council as the General Assembly and county legislative sessions proceed.
