This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to allow school districts in Minnesota to lower the voting age to 16 for school elections. The amendment, if adopted, will modify Article VII, Section 1 of the Minnesota Constitution to state that while individuals must be 18 years of age to vote in general elections, school districts may permit 16-year-olds to vote in school elections, provided they meet all other voter eligibility requirements. The proposed amendment will be submitted to voters during the 2026 general election, asking whether the Minnesota Constitution should be amended accordingly.

In addition to the constitutional amendment, the bill includes conforming changes to various sections of the Minnesota Statutes. These changes clarify that individuals aged 16 and older may vote in school elections, while maintaining the existing eligibility criteria for general elections. The bill also outlines the necessary adjustments to voter registration applications and procedures to accommodate the new voting age for school elections. The effective date for these changes is set for January 1, 2027, contingent upon voter approval of the constitutional amendment in 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 201.014, 201.071, 203B.21, 204C.10