Supporters of the law say it will help engage more youth voters in the democratic process. (Rich Hundley III/Governor’s Office)
Some 17-year-olds will be able to cast ballots in the state’s June primaries beginning in 2026 under a new law signed by Gov. Phil Murphy Thursday.
The law, known as the “New Voter Empowerment Act,” allows voters who are 17 years old to vote in a primary if they turn 18 by the general election in November.
“To strengthen our democracy, we must ensure that all eligible voters can participate in it,” Murphy said in a statement. “Across government, we see how the decisions we make today impact future generations.”
New Jersey now joins nineteen other states and Washington, D.C., that allow some 17-year-olds to vote. Supporters of the law say it will help engage more youth voters in the democratic process.
“At a time when our politics is polarized and when too many people stay home on Election Day, it is time to engage and empower a new generation of voters so that they may have a say in the future of our great state,” said Sen. Andrew Zwicker (D-Middlesex).
The bill advanced out of the Statehouse along party lines in December.
Murphy’s signature comes roughly seven years after his predecessor, Chris Christie, vetoed a similar bill.
The law will not be in effect for this year’s presidential race or next year’s gubernatorial election.
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