Two Ohio lawmakers, State Reps. Chris Glassburn of North Olmsted and Sean Brennan of Parma, are sponsoring House Joint Resolution 8, which would amend Article V of the Ohio Constitution to change the state voting age from 18 to 16 for state and local elections.

Proposal Details

The proposal would apply only to Ohio state and local elections, while federal elections would continue to follow the federally established voting age of 18. The measure would need approval from three-fifths of both the Ohio House and Senate before it could be placed before voters as a proposed constitutional amendment.

Supporters of the proposal argue that allowing younger voters to participate while they are still connected to schools and communities could encourage long-term civic involvement. According to The Civics Center, a national nonprofit focused on voter engagement, about 32% of 18-year-olds in Ohio were registered to vote as of May 2024.

The lawmakers cited youth voter registration rates as one reason for pursuing the change. "Democracy is at its strongest when we encourage lifelong habits of civic engagement," Glassburn said in a statement announcing the proposal. "Sixteen-year-olds are contributing members of society, and their perspectives deserve representation."

The proposal comes as communities nationwide continue debating whether younger residents should have a greater role in elections. While some municipalities across the United States allow 16- and 17-year-olds to participate in certain local elections, no state currently allows voters under 18 to participate in all state and local elections.

Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.