Ohio voters would decide whether to lower the state's voting age from 18 years old to 16 under a proposed constitutional amendment, House Joint Resolution 8, introduced in the Ohio House.
The proposal would
ultimately let Ohio voters decide whether 16- and 17-year-olds should be allowed to vote in state and local elections. Here's what to know about HJR 8.
How House Joint Resolution 8 would change Ohio's voting age
Primary sponsors State Reps. Chris Glassburn (D-North Olmsted) and Sean Patrick Brennan (D-Parma), say HJR 8 would strengthen democracy by encouraging young people to vote earlier and build lifelong voting habits. In a news release, the lawmakers said only 32% of the state's 18-year-olds are registered to vote.
Any debate over the proposal could focus on whether teenagers are mature enough to vote and whether lowering the voting age would increase participation.
The resolution would amend Article V of the Ohio Constitution to change the "qualifications of an elector" so that a qualified voter is 16 years old or older, instead of 18.
The resolution itself does not automatically change the voting age. Instead, if it passes the legislature, it would place a constitutional amendment on the statewide ballot. Ohio voters would then have the final say.
What happens if HJR 8 lands on the ballot and voters approve it?
If approved, Ohio's minimum voting age would drop from 18 to 16.
Sixteen- and 17-year-olds could vote in Ohio elections if they meet the same residency and voter registration requirements as other voters.
The change would be written into the Ohio Constitution.
Where does the proposal stand now? Will HJR 8 pass in 2026?
HJR 8 has been introduced in the Ohio House and is awaiting committee assignment as of July 30.
To reach the ballot, the proposal must win approval from three-fifths of the members in both legislative chambers before it goes to the Secretary of State for approval, according to the resolution. Glassburn and Brennan are aiming for the Nov. 3, 2026 general election ballot. However, the Ohio legislative calendar shows only sporadic committee meetings and Senate sessions before Election Day 2026.
If voters approve HJR 8, the constitutional change would take effect immediately.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio lawmakers propose state voting age of 16. Will it pass in 2026?
