Allows citizens of a city or town who are at least sixteen (16) years of age to register to vote and to vote in school committee elections in municipalities where school committees are elected entities.

## Summary of the Bill

This bill would allow 16- and 17-year-olds to register to vote and cast ballots in school committee elections in Rhode Island cities and towns where school committee members are chosen by voters. Currently, only residents who are 18 or older can vote in any election. This bill would create a limited exception to that rule, applying only to school committee races — not to state, federal, or other local elections.

The bill affects young people aged 16 and 17 who are citizens and residents of municipalities that elect their school committees. It would give these younger residents a voice in choosing the officials who oversee their local public schools — the very schools many of them are actively attending. Not all Rhode Island communities elect their school committees (some are appointed), so this change would only apply in towns and cities where those positions are filled through elections.

The bill was introduced in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and referred to the House State Government & Elections Committee. After a hearing scheduled for March 2026, the committee recommended that the measure be held for further study, meaning it has not yet advanced to a full vote. No final action has been taken on the proposal at this time.