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 that all other voter eligibility requirements remain unchanged. The proposed amendment will be submitted to voters during the 2026 general election, asking whether they support this change.

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 that they cannot vote in state or federal elections. The bill also outlines the necessary adjustments to voter registration forms and procedures to accommodate this new voting age for school elections. The effective date for these changes is set for January 1, 2027, contingent upon the approval of the constitutional amendment by voters.

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