Bill > HB52

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment and corresponding changes to election law that would allow counties in Maryland to lower the voting age to 16 for Board of Education elections. The proposed amendment to the Maryland Constitution would grant the General Assembly the power to authorize counties to permit individuals under 18 to vote specifically in elections for county Board of Education members. The accompanying changes to election law would enable counties to enact local laws allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in these specific elections. Under the proposed legislation, individuals aged 16 and 17 would be permitted to register to vote and could participate in Board of Education elections if their county authorizes it, though they would still be restricted from voting in other types of elections. The constitutional amendment would be submitted to Maryland voters for approval at the November 2026 general election, and if ratified, would become effective upon the Governor's proclamation. The bill is nicknamed the "Your School, Your Voice Act" and is designed to give younger students a more direct voice in educational governance at the local level.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0052?ys=2025RS