HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1781
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

proposing an amendment to article II, section 1, of the hawaii state constitution to change the age qualification for voting.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the age qualification to vote in any state or local election in this State is eighteen years of age.  However, the legislature also finds that there is a growing movement to lower the voting age even further.  Youth suffrage proponents argue that if sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds are old enough to pay income taxes, legally marry, or obtain a license to drive a car, then they should accordingly have the right to vote.  Furthermore, if youth are allowed to vote, the voter turnout among the youth will improve and education about democracy would be better served.

     The purpose of this Act is to propose an amendment to article II, section 1, of the Hawaii State Constitution to change the age qualification for voting from eighteen to sixteen years of age.

     SECTION 2.  Article II, section 1, of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii is amended to read as follows:

"QUALIFICATIONS

     Section 1.  Every citizen of the United States who shall have attained the age of [eighteen] sixteen years, have been a resident of this State not less than one year next preceding the election and be a voter registered as provided by law, shall be qualified to vote in any state or local election."

     SECTION 3.  The question to be printed on the ballot shall be as follows:

    "Shall the age qualification for voting in any state or local election in the State of Hawaii be lowered from eighteen to sixteen years of age?"

     SECTION 4.  Constitutional material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New constitutional material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This amendment shall take effect upon compliance with article XVII, section 3, of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

Report Title:

Youth Suffrage; Age Qualification; Constitutional Amendment

 

Description:

Proposes a constitutional amendment to change the age qualification for voting in any state or local election from eighteen to sixteen years of age.

 

 

 

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