Allow 17-year-old to Participate in the Colorado Caucus
Currently, Colorado state law forbids 17-year-olds %u2013 even if they will be 18 by the general election %u2013 from participating in the state caucuses. As a result, many civically engaged teens were barred from their neighborhood caucus in February.
Ten other states allow 17-year-olds to participate in the nomination process. Colorado could become the eleventh. The state could encourage teens to become politically active in high school and force politicians to be aware of teen concerns. Colorado could recognize a simple moral claim: if you can choose between the two final candidates, you should be allowed to choose amongst the larger pool.
Demand Colorado law makers allow 17-year-olds in the nomination process. Please sign this petition today!
We the undersigned firmly believe everyone who can vote in November should have a hand in the caucuses.
Currently, Colorado state law forbids 17-year-olds %u2013 even if they will be 18 by the general election %u2013 from participating in the state caucuses. As a result, many civically engaged teens were barred from their neighborhood caucus in February.
Teen voices are important on so many issues -- pregnancy and abortion, paying for college, health care, foreign policy, and military service. 17-year-olds are increasingly affected by and interested in politics. What%u2019s more, we live in a state that tries to encourage civic engagement by requiring a semester of civics at the high school level. Why do we then prevent informed and interested teens from voting?
Nine other states allow 17-year-olds to participate in the nomination process. We ask that you help make Colorado the 10th. Please change the elector eligibility requirements and caucus rules to allow those who will be 18 by the general election to participate in the Colorado caucuses.
Thank you.
