TRENTON, NJ – The Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee has given a favorable report to Senate Bill No. 1888, also known as the “New Voter Empowerment Act.” This bill, as amended, will enable registered voters who are 17 years old to participate in primary elections, provided they turn 18 by the next general election.
The current New Jersey law allows individuals who are at least 17 years old to register to vote, with the condition that they must be 18 by the time of the election. However, until their 18th birthday, they are marked as temporarily ineligible to vote in the Statewide Voter Registration System. The New Voter Empowerment Act modifies this, allowing these young voters to have a say in primary elections before they turn 18, as long as they will be of age for the subsequent general election.
An important amendment to the bill sets its effective date as January 1, 2026. This change reflects a forward-looking approach to engage younger voters in the democratic process more actively.
Senate Bill No. 1888 (1R) now aligns with its counterpart, Assembly Bill No. 3690 (1R), indicating a coordinated effort across both houses to facilitate this significant change in the state’s voting laws.
This legislative move is a notable step in expanding voting rights and encouraging political participation among younger citizens in New Jersey. By lowering the voting age for primaries, the state aims to foster a more engaged and informed electorate for the future.