HF2003

Purpose of the Bill

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment allowing municipalities, like counties, cities, or school districts, in Minnesota to lower the voting age to 16 years old specifically for local elections. The intention is to give these political subdivisions the autonomy to involve younger citizens in local governance and decision-making processes.

Main Provisions

• Constitutional Amendment: The bill proposes an amendment to Article VII, Section 1 of the Minnesota Constitution to enable local governments to lower the voting age to 16 for their elections.
• Eligibility Requirements: Young voters aged 16 or 17 would still have to meet other voter eligibility criteria, such as being U.S. citizens and residing in Minnesota for a specified duration before the election.
• Voting Restrictions: Individuals under 18 would be restricted to voting only on local matters and offices. They would not participate in state or federal elections or in statewide ballot questions.
• Local Resolution Requirement: Each jurisdiction that wishes to implement this change must pass a resolution to do so.

Significant Changes

• The existing Minnesota constitutional provision that defines the voting age at 18 would be amended to allow exceptions locally.
• The bill modifies several Minnesota Statutes to incorporate provisions allowing 16-year-olds to register and vote in local elections where applicable.
• The statutory changes ensure that registration forms and voting processes can accommodate this new age eligibility for local elections.

Submission to Voters

• The proposed constitutional amendment will be presented to voters at the 2026 general election with the question of whether the constitution should be amended to permit lowering the voting age in local elections to 16.

Relevant Terms

Minnesota Constitution, voting age, local elections, political subdivisions, 16-year-olds, voter eligibility, constitutional amendment, voter registration, municipal elections.