Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States extending the right to vote to citizens sixteen years of age or older.

House Joint Resolution

H.J.Res. 16

119th Congress

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States extending the right to vote to citizens sixteen years of age or older.

In Committee

Introduced:Jan 9, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Grace Meng

Representative

Democratic

NY-6

Cosponsors

6

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Government Operations and Politics

Summary

This proposed constitutional amendment would lower the minimum voting age from 18 to 16, allowing high school students to vote in federal, state, and local elections.

Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This proposed constitutional amendment would lower the minimum voting age from 18 to 16, allowing high school students to vote in federal, state, and local elections.

Last updated: 12/30/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

<p><strong></strong>This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to lower the minimum age for the right to vote from 18 to 16.</p>

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Lowers voting age from 18 to 16
Would add millions of new eligible voters
Requires constitutional amendment ratification
Expands youth political participation

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

If ratified, approximately 8 million 16 and 17 year olds would gain voting rights. This could shift political dynamics as younger voters tend to have different priorities on issues like climate, education, and student debt.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Government Operations and Politics

Related Subjects

Age discrimination

Constitution and constitutional amendments

Elections, voting, political campaign regulation

Voting rights

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

16, 119th Congress (2025). "Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States extending the right to vote to citizens sixteen years of age or older.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hjres-16