Bill would allow some 17-year-olds to vote

HELENA – Lawmakers heard a bill Monday that would allow 17-year-olds to vote in primary elections so long as they turn 18 by the general election.

House Bill 277 was described as a “kitchen table” bill by its sponsor, Rep. Mike Menahan, D-Helena (pictured), because the idea came to him during as a debate 14- and 16-year-old daughters were having at home.

Clare Menahan, 14, spoke in support of her father’s bill, saying it would give some young voters a voice in choosing the candidates that would appear on the general election ballot in 2012. “I think for a younger generation of students to be voting is extremely important,” she said.

HB 277 has the support of Secretary of State Linda McCulloch, who told lawmakers the change would increase accessibility to the polls and lead to higher voter turnouts. “Once a voter, always a voter,” McCulloch said.

The bill had no direct opponents, but several members of the House State Administration Committee wondered about its constitutionality. Rep. Menahan said none of the 18 states who have such a law have had to change their constitutions. He also said lawmakers should not be afraid to test the idea's legitimacy in court.

“I encourage you not to step back from this legislation because of that question,” Rep. Menahan said.

No further action has yet been taken on the bill.

-by CNS correspondent Molly Priddy