By Bob Katzen

Bill (H 483) – Would allow 17-year-olds who will be 18 by the time of the November general election to vote in the preceding primary despite the fact that they will be under 18 on the day of the primary. The bill was initially introduced by sponsor Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth) three years ago on behalf of Samantha Bevins, a Hingham constituent and Dartmouth College student.

“Samantha was concerned that she would not have a voice in the primary election to select the party nominee for the presidential election, and proposed filing legislation to make her and other voters in this category automatically eligible to vote in the primary,” said O’Connor. “Samantha has been a great advocate for this policy and it has been refreshing to see more young people so interested in our electoral processes.”