| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee | |
HJR 4225
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Amending the Constitution to allow seventeen year olds to vote in a primary if they will be eighteen years old by the next general election.
Sponsors: Representatives Green, Loomis, Upthegrove, Liias and Hunt.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 1/30/08
Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).
Background:
Amendments to the State Constitution (Constitution) require a two-thirds majority approval in
the Legislature and a simple majority approval by the people at the following general
election.The original text of the 1889 Constitution defined electors as all persons of the age of 21
years or over who were citizens of the United States and had lived in the state one year in the
county 90 days, and in the city, town, ward or precinct 30 days immediately preceding the
election.
From 1896 until 1910, Article IV, section 1 required that electors be able to read and speak the
English language. And from 1910 until 1974 it stated that there would be no denial of the
elective franchise at any election on account of sex.
In 1971 the 26th Amendment to the United States Constitution lowered the federal and state
voting age across the nation to age 18. However, while states are constitutionally prohibited
from raising the state voting age beyond age 18, there is no restriction against a state lowering
it.Since the adoption of Amendment 63 in 1974, Article VI, section 1 of the Constitution has
entitled all persons who are 18 years of age or older, citizens of the United States, and who have
lived in the state, county, and precinct for 30 days before the election to vote at all elections.
Only those who do not meet the these qualifications or those who are convicted of a felony and
have not had their civil rights restored or those declared mentally incompetent are disqualified
from voting under Article VI, section 3.
Summary of Bill:
The State Constitution is amended to allow 17-year-olds to vote at a primary election if they will
be 18 years of age on or before the following general election. If the Joint Resolution is
approved by the Legislature, the constitutional amendment will be placed on the November
general election ballot for approval by the people.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.