Should 17-Year-Olds be Allowed to Vote?

A bill proposed by State Rep. Carol Sente (D-Vernon Hills) to allow 17-year-olds the right to vote in primary elections if they will be 18 by the next general election cleared the House last Wednesday, reported the Daily Herald.

The House voted 95-22 in favor of House Bill 226. The Senate had its first reading last Thursday.

On her website, Sente states that a group of students from a political science program at Stevenson High School has advocated for this initiative for several years, beginning with her predecessor Kathy Ryg.

"Over the next few weeks, myself and Rep. Ed Sullivan (R-Mundelein) are planning to speak to students to get them involved in all aspects of passing this bill," stated Sente. "I am hopeful that through our bi-partisan efforts, we will be able to stress the importance of exercising the right to vote and encourage all students to become more involved in the political process."

Ron Michaelson, a former state elections chief, told the Journal Gazette & Times Courier the measure would not have implications for the State Board of Elections, but would affect county clerks and municipal boards because staff would need to be trained for expanded registration.

The paper also reports that 19 states currently allow minors to vote in primaries, with California and New Mexico pending legislation.

Do Patch readers feel 17 year-olds should be allowed to vote in primary elections? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments.