New Jersey Democrats Pass Bill Expanding Voting Eligibility To Certain 17-Year-Olds
UPDATE: On Jan. 4, Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed the bill into law.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Certain 17-year-olds in New Jersey could soon be eligible to vote in the state’s primary elections thanks to a recently passed bill sponsored by Democrats.
The legislation — called the New Voter Empowerment Act — would permit 17-year-olds, who will turn 18 by the next succeeding general election, to vote in the New Jersey primaries. After clearing the New Jersey Assembly on a party-line vote on Dec. 21, the bill now awaits the signature of Gov. Phil Murphy (D), who is expected to sign the legislation.
If enacted, the expansive measure would go into effect at the start of 2026. A similar bill was passed by New Jersey legislators in 2016, but was vetoed by then-Gov. Chris Christie (R).