The bill amends Section 17-1-3 of the General Laws in Chapter 17-1, titled "General Provisions," to update the eligibility criteria for voting. The amendment, effective January 1, 2024, maintains that U.S. citizens at least 18 years of age, with a 30-day residency in the state and in the voting district, are entitled to vote in elections, provided they are registered 30 days prior to the election. It also allows those who are not registered or whose registration has been canceled to vote for president and vice-president on election day, initiating the voter registration process. Additionally, the bill permits individuals who are 18 years old by the time of a general election to vote in primary elections.

The bill introduces a new provision (d) that enables cities or towns with elected school committees to allow citizens who are at least 16 years old and meet the 30-day residency requirement to register and vote in school committee elections, provided they are registered 30 days before the election. This provision empowers local municipalities to decide whether to extend voting rights in school committee elections to 16 and 17-year-olds. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
8046: 17-1-3