HB 1280 Summary

• Proposes amending Hawaii Constitution Article II, Section 1 to lower the voting age from 18 to 16 years old for state and local elections.

• Requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 16 years of age, residents of Hawaii for at least one year, and registered to vote.

• Cites Hawaii's declining voter turnout, including the lowest turnout nationally in 2016 and only 52.6% participation in the 2018 general election.

• Aims to increase civic engagement and create lifelong voters by allowing early voting, noting that voter participation increases after first-time voting.

• Ballot question to be presented to voters: "Shall voting rights for state and local elections be expanded to those who are sixteen years of age or older?"