OLR Bill Analysis

HB 6439

AN ACT CONCERNING THE VOTING RIGHTS OF CERTAIN SEVENTEEN YEAR OLD PERSONS.

SUMMARY:

This bill is necessary to implement the constitutional amendment passed by electors during the 2008 election allowing 17-year-olds who will turn 18 on or before the day of a regular election to vote in its primary.

Under the bill, like the constitutional amendment, such an individual must apply and otherwise qualify for admission as an elector. He or she may then vote in a primary of the party with which he or she is affiliated that is held to determine nominees for the regular election (see BACKGROUND). Upon turning 18, the individual's electoral rights attach. By law, a “regular election” means any municipal or state election. State elections include candidates for federal office.

EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage

BACKGROUND

By law, primaries are open to unaffiliated voters only if a party's rules authorize participation. Current Republican and Democratic state party rules do not allow these voters to participate in their primary elections. Minor party nominations are not covered under the primary statutes, but are made pursuant to their rules.

COMMITTEE ACTION

Government Administration and Elections Committee

Joint Favorable