Are 17-year-olds allowed to vote in some states

[*LC]

A friend of my kids recently told one that he had voted for the first time. He is 17 and doesn't turn 18 for a few more months. (Yes, I am sure of this )

 

I thought you had to be 18 to vote, but I never lived where he lives. Do some states allow 17-year-olds to vote? From what I understand it was a primary election if that makes a difference.

 

This is just a curiousity question. I won't talk about it with my kids or the new voter.

[Slartibartfast]

They are allowed to vote in a primary if they will be 18 by the General election

 

It does make a difference that it was a primary.

 

If your child is 17 you should probably discuss it with them and take them to register to vote.

Edited March 21, 2018 by Slartibartfast

[Farrar]

Most places allow people who will have turned 18 by the time of the general election to also vote in the primaries. That's probably what happened in this case.

 

There is a small number of city municipalities that allow people under 18 to vote in local elections. Takoma Park, MD is one such place. You have to be 16 to vote. That's pretty uncommon though.

[LucyStoner]

Yes, anyone who will be 18 by the general election may vote in the primaries or, if applicable, the caucus.

 

My brother turned 18 on Election Day 2000, just in time to vote for Gore. He attended the caucus and voted in the primary prior to that.

[MEmama]

Nm.

 

Someone will manage to find it polical.

 

Sigh.

Edited March 21, 2018 by MEmama

[*LC]

Thanks. Learn something new here all the time. It has not been an issue with my kids, due to when their birthdays are, but will keep in mind for the younger ones.