Assembly Constitutional Amendment Eight (ACA-8) is a new proposal that would allow 17-year-old residents of California to vote in all state elections. 

(ACA-8) passed in the state Assembly on Aug. 26 and is now in the Senate waiting for a vote. Currently, the 26th Amendment in the Constitution gives citizens the right to vote who are 18 years of age and older. ACA-8 is a new bill that would allow 17-year-olds to vote in all California elections

“A United States citizen who is at least 17 years of age and resident in this State may vote,” the bill states. 

This bill was introduced by Assembly member Lorena Gonzalez and Senator Henry Stern who represents the 27th district of California.

“I think it’s a good idea because it’ll allow younger generations that are aware of the political climate to participate earlier, rather than having to wait,” Senior Halle Dickerson said. 

In California, those who are 16 can register to vote, however, they cannot vote until they are 18. In 21 other states, a 17-year-old can vote in the primaries if they will be 18 by election day. 

“I don’t think [the bill] is that big of a deal because regarding elections our vote doesn’t matter in the long run as California’s vote is already predetermined,” senior Lauren Chen said.