Furutani Introduces ACA 2 Youth Voting Legislation

Published on Dec 2, 2008 - 7:04:30 AM

By: Assemblymember Warren T. Furutani (D-South Los Angeles County)

SACRAMENTO Dec. 1, 2008 - Assemblymember Warren T. Furutani (D-South Los Angeles County) today introduced Assembly Constitutional Amendment 2, which would allow 17-year-olds, who will be 18-years-old by the next general election, to vote in primary elections.

"It is critical that California's youth be included in the electoral process as early and as often as possible," said Furutani. "ACA 2 will empower our young voters to engage more fully in the democratic process, which promises the potential for greater political participation in the future."

California's election laws do not allow young voters, who will be eligible to vote by the time of a general election, to vote in a corresponding primary election that occurs before they are 18-years-old. Current law denies these young voters the opportunity to take a stake in the future of their government by disallowing them from selecting the nominees who will appear on the general election ballot. Several states across the country already permit 17-year-old primary voting, and a number of other states are following suit.

"ACA 2 would support the growing demographic of young voters that are proving to be increasingly important with each election period," said Furutani. "Regardless of party affiliation, it is on their futures that our country depends-so, Democrats and Republicans must engage these voters."

Assemblymember Warren T. Furutani (D-South Los Angeles County) represents the 55th Assembly District, which includes the cities of Carson, Harbor City and the Harbor Gateway, Lakewood, parts of Long Beach, and Wilmington.

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