Attorney General Doug Gansler Clears Path for 17 Year-Olds to Vote in 2008 Primary

Advisory to be Considered by State Board of Elections on Thursday

Voter Registration Deadline Looms - January 20, 2008

Annapolis, MD – In a freshly minted advisory letter Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler has made clear there should be no legal impediment that would keep the Maryland Democratic Party from inviting eligible 17 year-old voters from participating in the 2008 Presidential Primary. In addition to all other legal requirements an eligible 17 year-old primary voter is one who will turn eighteen years of age by the General Election, November 4, 2008.

Excerpt from the Attorney General Gansler’s advisory letter:

Conclusion

In short, it is my view that, in light of the recent party rule changes that implicate the parties’ associational rights under the federal constitution, SBE should implement EL §3-102(a) as it has in the past – by registering and allowing to vote those persons who are at least 18 years old or will be 18 years old on or before the day of the next succeeding general or special election.

Sincerely,

Douglas F. Gansler

Attorney General

Statement from Michael Cryor, Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party

“This is a great day for all young voters in Maryland. The Democratic Party is going to work hard to make sure all our young people know their rights under the law, get registered to vote if eligible and then get to the polls in February.

Our gratitude goes out to Attorney General Doug Gansler for his quick and thorough response and to our own election law expert, Democratic State Senator Jamie Raskin, who has toiled on behalf of voting rights throughout his career. We are thrilled to have leaped this final legal hurdle to securing the voting rights of 17 year-olds and trust it will be well received by the State Board of Elections on Thursday.

The Maryland Democratic Party has always supported young voters and we are confident the State Board of Elections will clear the path to protect this long standing tradition and practice for Maryland’s eligible 17 year-old voters.”

Statement from Sen. Jamie Raskin, (Democrat, District 20)

“I am very glad the Maryland Democratic Party stood up so quickly for the voting rights of 17 year-olds. This is a great tradition in Maryland. Now it appears this controversy may be a blessing in disguise – highlighting and focusing our attention on registering all eligible 17 year-olds by January 20, 2008 for Maryland’s February 12^th Presidential Primary.

With this advisory letter there should be no remaining legal obstacle to keep the State Board of Elections from accepting the registration of any eligible 17 year-old voters and getting them on the voter rolls by February 12^th.”

Statement from Jennifer Kramer, President of Young Democrats of Maryland

“The Maryland Democratic Party has been ahead of the curve on this issue. The Young Democrats of Maryland are thrilled to work with the leadership of this party on behalf of the youth vote and the issues important to Young Democrats. We're proud of our state party for working so hard to ensure the rights of young voters, and encouraging our voices to be heard. We encourage every eligible 17 year-old to register to vote right now - if they haven’t already - and exercise your rights in the voting booth this Primary Election on February 12^th.”