This November, hundreds of Connecticut residents will have turned 18-years-old and be able to vote in their first presidential election. I want to remind the state’s 17-year-old citizens that they are eligible to vote in the upcoming Democratic and Republican presidential primaries if they will turn 18 by Election Day, which will be Tuesday, Nov. 8.
Several years ago I served as Senate Chair of the Government Administration and Elections Committee at the General Assembly. I was delighted to pass legislation that allowed for an amendment to Connecticut’s Constitution so that anyone who is 18-years-old by Election Day will be able to vote in the primary. This year will be only the second time in state history that 17 year-olds can vote in the presidential primaries.
Connecticut’s presidential primaries will be held on April 26. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.. Any person standing in line at the polls at 8 p.m. will be allowed to cast their vote. Voter registration forms, absentee ballot applications and help finding your polling place can be found on the Secretary of State’s website: www.sots.ct.gov
Connecticut is one of several states that allow 17-year-olds to vote in both Democratic and Republican presidential primaries. Voting is the foundation of our democracy, and I believe that our state and country are better served by allowing more people to vote. Research has shown that the earlier in life a person casts a vote, the more likely they are to form a life-long habit of voting. I am delighted to have helped pass this common-sense policy that will help Connecticut’s young people become more engaged in the democratic process.