(AP) — The Hawaiʻi Legislature has advanced two bills that would allow some 17-year-olds the right to vote by next year’s primary election. The bills passed the state House Government Reform Committee on Wednesday. The bills have a final state House committee to advance beyond before they are presented before the full House. Under current state law, only those 18-years-old or older can vote. The new laws would allow 17-year-olds to vote in primary elections if their 18th birthday falls between the primary and general elections. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported that Hawaiʻi residents often vote for Democrats, so key candidates are chosen in the primary elections.
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