Local Rep: 17-Year-Olds Should Vote In Primary Elections

A local representative is introducing a bill aimed at allowing 17-year-old Rhode Islanders to vote in primary elections, provided they will turn 18 before the general election.

Rep. Gregg Amore (D-Dist. 65, East Providence) said in a release that he introduced the bill because of his experiences as high school teacher, where he has witnessed engagement and political knowledge in high school students.

"I firmly believe that if a young adult will turn 18 years old by the time of a general election, they should be able to vote in the primary election, thereby participating in the entire election cycle,” Amore said.

Rep. Amore continued that with so many young people becoming involved in the political process in regards to school safety and other issues, these students deserve the opportunity to be fully involved in the political process.

The House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to debate the bill on Wednesday evening.

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