Oregon Ballot Measure 17 (2002)
From Ballotpedia
Oregon Ballot Measure 17 (2002) or House Joint Resolution (HJR) 16 is a legislatively-referred constitutional amendment that would lower the age requirement for state legislators from 21 to 18 years old.
Official Ballot Title
Reduces Minimum Age Requirement To Serve As State Legislator From 21 Years To 18 Years[1]
Results
This measure failed at the November 2002 General Election by a sizable margain.
Support
The measure was proposed by Secretary of State, Bill Bradbury who argued that if 18 year olds can vote and die for their country, then they should be able to serve in the state legislature. Seventeen states and the District of Columbia already allow 18-year-olds to run for legislative positions. Bradbury also thought the measure would help change the image that all politicians are "old folks" who are out of touch with today's issues.[2]
Opposition
Representative Dan Doyle (R-Salem) believed the age restrictions were there for a reason and were still legitimate, pointing out that "just because there is a requirement doesn't mean that younger people can't serve for other governmental bodies, like city councils and school boards." [3]
References
- ↑ Detailed information on this measure from the Secretary of State
- ↑ Bill proposes lowering age requirement for state legislators by Lindsay Buchele, posted by The Oregon Daily Emerald, April 18, 2001
- ↑ Oregon Daily Emerald Article, same as above
