Bill > SF1557

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to allow school districts in Minnesota to lower the voting age to 16 for school elections while maintaining the standard voting age of 18 for other elections. If approved by voters in the 2026 general election, school districts would have the option to authorize 16- and 17-year-olds to vote specifically in school-related elections, such as school board races or school-related ballot measures. The proposed amendment includes several important provisions: 16- and 17-year-old voters would be limited to voting only in the school district that has adopted the lower voting age, would not be permitted to vote in state or federal elections, and would need to meet all other voter eligibility requirements such as citizenship and residency. The bill also makes corresponding changes to various state statutes to accommodate this new voting provision, including updating voter registration forms, absentee ballot certificates, and polling place rosters to reflect the potential for 16- and 17-year-old voters in school elections. If approved, the changes would become effective on January 1, 2027, allowing school districts to potentially expand voter participation among older teenagers in school-related democratic processes.

Government Affairs

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF1557&ssn=0&y=2025