Bill > HB3012

This bill allows 16 and 17-year-old registered voters to cast ballots specifically in school district elections, including nominations and elections of school directors, with several important conditions. To be eligible, these young voters must reside within the school district's geographic boundaries, register to vote at least 20 calendar days before the election, and follow a special voting process established by the Secretary of State. The Secretary must ensure that these young voters receive ballots that only permit voting in school district elections, and that the ballot style closely resembles other ballots used in the same school district elections. Importantly, while these 16 and 17-year-olds can vote in school district elections, they cannot serve as directors of school boards or education service districts. The bill amends existing Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) to accommodate this new voting provision and specifies that these changes will apply to school district elections occurring on or after January 1, 2027. This legislation represents an effort to engage younger students more directly in local educational governance by giving them a voice in school district elections before they reach the traditional voting age of 18.

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB3012