Hawaii House Bill HB449

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/21
• Refer: 1/27/21

Caption

Proposing An Amendment To The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Amend The Qualifying Age Of Voters For Any State Or Local Election.

Impact

If enacted, HB 449 will amend Article II, Section 1 of the Hawaii State Constitution to reflect the new qualifying age for voters. This change not only modifies the age threshold for voter registration but is also intended to promote greater participation in the democratic process among younger residents. Enhanced civic education accompanying this initiative is expected to further engage youth and encourage them to take an active role in their governance, potentially leading to higher voter turnout among all demographics as this younger generation grows older.

Summary

House Bill 449 proposes a constitutional amendment to lower the minimum voting age in Hawaii from eighteen to sixteen years for state and local elections. The bill argues that by lowering the voting age, younger individuals—many of whom are already taking on adult responsibilities, such as working and paying taxes—should have a voice in the decisions that affect them. The intent is to foster a habit of voting early, as studies indicate that the earlier a person begins voting, the more likely they are to continue participating in future elections. By allowing sixteen and seventeen-year-olds to vote, the bill aims to enhance civic engagement and encourage a culture of voting amongst young people in Hawaii.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 449 include debates on the maturity and decision-making capacity of sixteen-year-olds as voters and whether they are sufficiently informed to participate meaningfully in elections. Opponents of the bill may argue that lowering the voting age could lead to uninformed voting, while proponents emphasize the importance of empowering young citizens and helping them develop a lifelong habit of civic involvement. The discourse also touches on educational reforms, with calls for improved civic education in schools as a crucial component to ensure that young voters are adequately prepared to engage in the electoral process.