New Jersey Allows 17-Year-Olds To Vote in Primary Elections Under 2024 Law

New Jersey now permits 17-year-olds to cast ballots in primary elections if they’ll turn 18 by the general election under the New Voter Empowerment Act. Former Governor Phil Murphy signed it in 2024. It took effect this year.

“To strengthen our democracy, we must ensure that all eligible voters can participate in it,” Murphy said in a statement back in 2024, per The Digest Online.

“Across government, we see how the decisions we make today impact future generations.”

The Democratic primary for North Jersey’s 11th District in the U.S. House of Representatives became the first election where the law applied. Early voting started on Jan. 29, with regular voting wrapping up on Feb. 5. 17-year-olds who turned 18 before the general election on April 16 could cast ballots.

Analilia Mejia won the Democratic nomination on Feb. 10. She’ll face Republican candidate Randolph Mayor Joe Hathaway in April. Mejia, the former executive director of the New Jersey Working Families Alliance, beat congressman Tom Malinowski in the primary.

Senator Bernie Sanders and U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez backed Mejia in the race. Governor Mikie Sherrill held the seat before. She didn’t endorse anyone for her former position.

Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon told residents about the change to voting rules. “This law empowers young voters to take an active role in shaping the future of their communities,” Hanlon said, according to Insider NJ. “Voting is one of the most powerful ways citizens can participate in our democracy, and I encourage all eligible young residents to vote and become informed, lifelong participants in our democratic process.”

State law has permitted voter registration at age 17 for years. Federal law requires voters to be 18 to cast a ballot in a general election. The new legislation gives 17-year-olds the ability to vote in Republican or Democratic primary elections if they turn 18 by the November general election.

New voters can declare a party affiliation during registration. Those registered but not affiliated with a party may join one online, by mail before the primary, or in person at the polls. Requests to join a party can be handled online at the state’s voter registration website or by submitting a Political Party Affiliation Declaration Form by mail to the county’s Superintendent of Elections.

The post New Jersey Allows 17-Year-Olds To Vote in Primary Elections Under 2024 Law appeared first on WMTR AM.