High School Seniors May Get The Right To Vote

The state Assembly is poised to vote on a Constitutional Amendment by Assemblymember Gene Mullin (D-South San Francisco) which would allow 17 year olds to register and vote in federal, state and local primary and special elections if they will be 18 at the time of the next general election.

“I’d like to see government class become a living lesson for every California high school senior” stated Mullin, a 32 year high school government teacher.  “Committed lifelong participation in the electoral process starts with your first vote.  Young adults who are comfortable exercising their right to vote are more likely to increase their civic responsibilities.”

California would join Mississippi, West Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Nebraska, Arizona, Kansas, Virginia, Ohio, Delaware and Maryland in allowing the 17 year old vote in primary elections.  Iowa permits 17 year olds to participate in the presidential caucuses.  The United States Constitution, which prohibits states from restricting voting rights, allows states to lower the voting age.

ACA 25 has been approved by the Assembly Appropriations Committee and the Assembly Elections, Redistricting and Constitutional Amendments Committee.  The measure goes to the Assembly floor early next week.

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