SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Today, the House Elections Committee approved legislation authored by Representative Larry Kraft (DFL - St. Louis Park) to encourage more young people to participate in our democracy. The bill, HF 110, would allow 16 & 17-year-olds to pre-register to vote.
“Our democracy works best when more people, of every generation, race, gender, background, and political persuasion participate,” said Rep. Kraft. “Encouraging young people to build a relationship with the political process as early as possible, helps make voting a lifelong habit. I hope we can all agree that it's a good thing when more young people participate in our democracy.”
Secretary of State Steve Simon, students from St. Louis Park High School and colleges around the state, and multiple non-partisan organizations testified in support of the bill. The bill now heads to the House Ways and Means Committee for its second hearing.