House Joint Resolution No. 216, introduced during the February Session of 2024, proposes a state constitutional amendment to allow 16 and 17-year-old citizens to apply for admission as electors, with the right to vote taking effect upon reaching the age of 18. The resolution, reported favorably by the Committee on Government Administration and Elections, suggests amending Article thirty-first of the state constitution to enable these younger citizens to preregister to vote, and if they meet all other qualifications, to participate in primary elections if they will be 18 by the day of the subsequent regular election.

The resolution specifies that if it is passed by at least three-fourths of the membership of each house of the General Assembly, it will be placed on the ballot for the general election in 2024. If it passes by a simple majority but less than three-fourths, it will be reconsidered in the 2025 legislative session. If approved in that session by a majority in each house, it will then be presented to voters in the 2026 general election. The fiscal impact of the resolution is estimated to be a one-time cost of $10,000 in FY 25, primarily due to increased printing expenses for the ballots. The resolution has been given a joint favorable vote by the committee with a tally of 13 yeas to 6 nays.