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Bill

SB 68

Relating to allowing a person who will be 18 years of age on the date of the general election for state and county officers to vote in the preceding primary elections.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Carol Alvarado and 1 co-sponsor

Allow 17-year-olds to vote in primary elections if they'll be 18 by the general election, expanding youth participation in candidate selection.

Co-author authorized
#elections--general(i0310) #elections--primaries(i0285) #elections--registration&suffrage(i0265) #secretaryofstate(v0042)
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Bill Summary · SB 68

Legislative bill overview

SB 68 would allow Texas citizens who will turn 18 by the general election date to vote in primary elections held earlier that same year, even if they are currently 17. This lowers the primary voting age to effectively allow 17-year-olds to participate in primary contests while maintaining the constitutional requirement that general election voters be 18.

Why is this important

Primary elections significantly shape which candidates advance to general elections, yet currently 17-year-olds cannot participate despite being eligible voters months later. This bill would expand democratic participation among young voters and allow them to influence candidate selection in their first election cycle, which research suggests increases long-term civic engagement.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional alignment: Federal and state constitutions set 18 as the voting age; the bill relies on interpreting whether primary elections are constitutionally protected or subject to state discretion
  • Voter registration and administration: Election officials would need to manage a new category of primary-only voters and verify age eligibility by general election day
  • Political impact: Early voting access may disproportionately benefit certain candidates or parties depending on primary turnout patterns among younger voters
  • Precedent concerns: Some worry this creates a wedge for future age-lowering arguments for general elections

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

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