New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2789

Introduced
2/15/24  
Refer
2/15/24  

Caption

Permits 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in elections for local school board.

Impact

The legislation establishes a process that includes a petition mechanism, which enables school districts to put the question of allowing youth voting to the legal voters. If 15% of the voters from the previous general election sign a petition, the issue will be presented at the next general election. Additionally, the school board can adopt a resolution to permit voting without requiring public approval, reflecting a dual approach to implementing this change at the local level.

Summary

Bill S2789 seeks to expand the franchise to younger citizens by allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in local school board elections in New Jersey, a significant shift in the state's voting policy. Under this proposed legislation, eligible young voters must be U.S. citizens and residents of a school district that has adopted the provisions of the bill. This initiative aims to engage younger generations in the electoral process while ensuring they have a voice in decisions that directly affect their education and local governance.

Contention

While proponents argue that this bill promotes civic engagement among young people, critics may raise concerns that 16 and 17-year-olds lack the maturity or life experience to make informed voting decisions, particularly on educational matters. The bill's narrow focus on school board elections is likely intended to mitigate such concerns, allowing youth to participate in a reduced-stakes voting context. However, the introduction of youth into the voting electorate could still be a contentious topic, prompting debates about the overall implications for democracy and governance.

Implementation

The bill mandates that the Division of Elections in New Jersey's Department of State create comprehensive regulations for youth voting, including registration processes and acceptable identification. This structure is essential to ensure the legislation's effective implementation and safeguard the integrity of the voting process while making it accessible to younger participants.

Companion Bills

NJ A4369

Same As Permits 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in elections for local school board.

NJ S4173

Carry Over Permits 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in elections for local school board.

Previously Filed As

NJ S4173

Permits 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in elections for local school board.

NJ S3240

Permits 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in elections for local school board.

NJ A4369

Permits 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in elections for local school board.

NJ S1888

"New Voter Empowerment Act"; permits 17 year olds to vote in primary election if they turn 18 years old before next succeeding general election.

NJ A3690

"New Voter Empowerment Act"; permits 17 year olds to vote in primary election if they turn 18 years old before next succeeding general election.

NJ S3850

Permits county boards of elections to extend distance within which electioneering is prohibited.

NJ A5356

Permits county boards of elections to extend distance within which electioneering is prohibited.

NJ HB1305

School board elections.

NJ SB550

Voter preregistration of 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds. (FE)

NJ AB593

Voter preregistration of 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds. (FE)

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