The proposal from State Senator Fred Risser (D-Madison) would allow 17-year-olds who turn 18 after a primary election, but before the general election, to go ahead and vote in primary races. Risser says the idea is that allowing them to take part in the full process of an election may get them interested earlier on.
With primaries typically taking place within two months of the general election, Risser says the proposed legislation would only apply to a very small portion of the voting population. Federal elections require voters to be 18, but Risser says the state should have control of its primary elections. Risser plans to introduce the bill in January, possibly passing it in time for primary elections in the spring.
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