The right to vote in Wisconsin primaries would be extended to some 17-year-olds under legislation proposed by a Madison lawmaker.
The bill would allow 17-year-olds who turn 18 by the general election to vote in all primary elections. Federal law currently limits the voting age to 18.
"I think it's good government," said state Sen. Fred Risser, D-Madison, who drafted the bill. "If a person can vote in the election, he or she should be able to vote in the primary."
Although the bill is not proposed as an amendment to the state's Constitution, it would require the Legislature's approval, the governor's signature and ratification by voters November 2008.
The bill requires a referendum because under the Wisconsin Constitution, the right of suffrage extends to a class of people beyond that which is currently entitled to vote.
If approved by a majority of voters, the bill would become law Jan. 1, 2009, in time for that year's February primaries.
State Rep. Scott Suder, R-Abbotsford, predicted the bill will have a short tenure in the Legislature.
"I don't think the bill has a chance of passing," Suder said. "Frankly, it's kind of goofy."
Suder said he would be in favor of lowering the legal drinking age to 19, but said the standard age of maturity, 18, should be the threshold.
"How can they vote under 18 but not run for office?" Suder added. "I don't see a sound reason for moving it down to 17."
If the bill becomes law, Wisconsin would join eight other states that extend voting rights to 17-year-olds.
"It's worked very well," Risser said. "[They] should have the opportunity to be able to participate in the entire election cycle."
Risser did not introduce the measure as an amendment to the Wisconsin Constitution because he said it would have taken longer and required the approval of two legislative sessions.
"It's a bill, but it's a unique bill," Risser said. "This would permit a person to vote in the spring elections and the presidential primary."
The state Senate Committee on Labor, Elections and Urban Affairs is scheduled for a public hearing on the bill Feb. 13 at 10 a.m. in Room 330 Southwest of the Capitol.
