Maryland Democrats Seek to Restore 17 year-olds’ Primary Vote

State Elections Board Asked to Reverse New Policy for 2008 Primary Election

Appeals Court Ruling Behind Decision Should Not Harm Young Voters

Annapolis, MD – The Maryland Democratic Party and Democratic Senator Jamie Raskin – a nationally recognized expert on election law - have been in ongoing discussions with state elections officials and the office of the Attorney General seeking to reverse a recent policy change that for the first time in four decades will exclude 17 year-olds from voting in primary elections. Seventeen year-olds had been allowed to vote in primaries if they turned 18 by the General Election.

A recent Maryland Appeals Court ruling had reversed the long-standing practice but Democrats made clear in a letter delivered to the Maryland State Board of Elections today that the United States Constitution and a political party’s right of free association trump the impact of the court decision.

“The Maryland Democratic Party has always encouraged young people to get involved in the political process and we are using all our resources to protect their primary election voting rights in 2008,” said Michael Cryor, Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party. “If you turn 18 by the General Election you should be able to vote in a party’s primary, regardless of party affiliation. That’s Democratic Party policy and that’s been our practice in Maryland for four decades. There is no reason to go backwards now.”

The Maryland Democratic is seeking a quick decision by the state board given the pending February 12, 2008 Presidential Primary. The deadline for new voters to register for the primary is January 20, 2008. Under the new policy local Boards of Elections have been asked to accept the voter registration of 17 year-olds but not allow them to vote until they turn 18.

“We recently initiated conversations on this issue with the Maryland Republican Party and we know we stand unified,” said Cryor. “We are confident that this request will be well received but if needed, we are prepared to go to court for a quick ruling to preserve our rights as a party and the rights of eligible 17 year-old voters.”

“The Young Democrats of Maryland are proud our party initiated this effort to preserve this treasured right for eligible 17 year-old voters,” says Jennifer Kramer, President of the Young Democrats of Maryland. “In 2008 we anticipate more young people, especially young Democrats, will want to engage in the election process than ever before.”