It’s great that many 17 year olds who will be by 18 by the November election got to participate in Iowa’s first-in-the-nation caucuses last week. We want to encourage young voters to participate in their government.
Under a new bill approved by the Senate State Government Committee, in future years, Iowans who will turn 18 by the time of the general election will also be able to vote in the primary. In addition, eligible Iowans will be able to register to vote at the age of 17. Current law allows for voter registration at 17½. This change will reduce paperwork and conforms to the process of requesting an absentee ballot.
If SF 2001 becomes law, it will have no impact on this year’s primary elections.