Massachusetts lawmakers will weigh a proposal that would give cities and towns freedom in allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in municipal elections.
The Joint Committee on Election Laws is planning to hold a public hearing at the Statehouse on Wednesday. They will discuss two bills that would let “every citizen 16 or 17 years of age, who is a resident in the city or town where he or she claims the right to vote" to be placed on the voting lists for local elections.
The bill, however, would not lower the voting age statewide, but it will allow cities and towns extend the franchise to 16 and 17-year-olds without having to seek permission from the Legislature.
Should 16-year-olds be allowed to vote in local elections in Massachusetts?