Connecticut Voting Age Measure (2008)
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The Connecticut Voting Age Measure, also known as Question 2, was approved for the November 2008 ballot in Connecticut by the state's house of representatives on April 22 by a vote of 135-12. The state senate unanimously approved placing it on the ballot in a vote in late April, 2008.[1]
The measure enacted law which allows state residents to vote in primaries at the age of 17.[2]
Election results
| Connecticut Voting Age: | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | Percentage | |||
 Yes
| 883,137 | 65% | ||
| No | 485,128 | 35% | ||
| Total votes | 1,368,265 | 100% | ||
Results according to The Connecticut Network[3]
Background
The United States Constitution does not bar states from lowering the voting age, it simply promises, via the 26th Amendment, that the right of citizens who are eighteen years of age or older shall not be denied the right to vote by the United States or by any State on account of age. In the past several years, nine other states in the nation have passed measures that allow 17 year-olds to vote in primaries so long as they turn 18 by the general election (Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia). Currently, several state legislatures including Arizona, Illinois, and New Hampshire are considering proposals that would allow 17 year-olds to vote in primaries.[1]
Specific Provisions
The measure enacted the following provisions:
- Allow Connecticut residents to vote in primaries at age 17, as long as they will turn 18 before the general election.
Supporters
Supporters Included:
- Connecticut Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz
- State Representative James Spallone, D-Chester, Deep River, Essex, Lyme, Old Saybrook, co-sponsor of the resolution
- State Senator Gayle Slossberg, D-Milford, co-sponsor of the resolution
Arguments in Favor
Notable arguments made in support of the measure included:
- The measure values the next generation of voters, and allows the youth to participate in the political process.
Opposition
None yet identified.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Norwalk Plus: "Constitutional amendment allowing 17 year-olds to vote going on the ballot," May 1, 2008
- ↑ Stamford Advocate: "Measure to allow 17-year-olds to vote in primaries moves to Senate," April 22, 2008
- ↑ Connecticut Network: "2008 Election Results"
