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Bill

HJ 45

Constitutional amendment; qualifications of voters, 16-year-olds permitted to vote.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jackie Glass

Virginia constitutional amendment would lower voting age to 16, pending voter referendum approval and expanding electoral participation among teenagers.

Continued to next session in Privileges and Elections (Voice Vote)
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Bill Summary · HJ 45

Legislative bill overview

HJ 45 proposes a constitutional amendment to lower Virginia's voting age from 18 to 16 years old. The bill would require voter approval through a referendum to amend the state constitution and establish new eligibility criteria for registered voters.

Why is this important

Lowering the voting age could significantly expand the electorate and shift political participation patterns, particularly affecting school board and local elections. This touches on fundamental questions about civic engagement, political maturity, and representation in democratic processes.

Potential points of contention

  • Cognitive development arguments: Opponents may cite brain development research suggesting 16-year-olds lack full cognitive maturity for voting decisions, while proponents counter that teens are affected by policy decisions and demonstrate civic responsibility
  • Consistency concerns: Questions about why 16-year-olds could vote but not serve in military, sign contracts, or hold other adult responsibilities without parental consent
  • Implementation practicality: Challenges around voter registration in schools, whether 16-year-olds in state custody have sufficient independence, and coordination with school systems
  • Electoral impact uncertainty: Unclear how 16-year-old voters would influence outcomes or whether they represent a distinct political bloc with measurable policy preferences

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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