A law signed by former NJ Governor Phil Murphy in 2024 called the New Voter Empowerment Act, indicates that 17-year-olds would be able to vote in primaries if they will turn 18 in time for the general election. That law is now in effect.
“To strengthen our democracy, we must ensure that all eligible voters can participate in it,” Murphy said in a statement back in 2024. “Across government, we see how the decisions we make today impact future generations.”
The upcoming election for North Jersey’s 11th District in the U.S. House of Representatives, or Governor Mikie Sherrill’s former position, will be the first election in the state where the law will be in effect.
Early voting began on Thursday, Jan. 29 for the primary election with regular voting for the democratic candidate concluding on Thursday, Feb. 5. 17-year-olds who turn 18 prior to the general election on Thursday, April 16 were able to vote in the election.
17-Year-Olds Voted in the Close NJ-11 Race
Although Sherrill didn’t endorse anybody for her seat, there were many Democratic candidates that campaigned for the position. The winner of the Democratic primary announced on Tuesday, Feb. 10, Analilia Mejia, will go up against the only Republican candidate, Randolph Mayor Joe Hathaway in April.
Mejia was the former executive director of the New Jersey Working Families Alliance and just bested congressman Tom Malinowski in the primary. Malinowski already has close ties to the House of Representatives and Congress, but Mejia was backed by Senator Bernie Sanders and U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), which helped to earn her the nomination.
17-year-olds in NJ-11 were able to vote in the primary as per new rules, so long as they turned 18 prior to the general election. It was an early test for a law that proponents say will strengthen democracy.
Julia is currently a senior at the Ramapo College of New Jersey studying Journalism while also minoring in Creative Writing and Digital Film. While growing up in Bergen County, she enjoyed exploring new restaurants and landmarks while also taking on different sports such as swimming. At college, she's one of the News Editors and writers at the Ramapo News, often crafting article revolving around entertainment, politics and campus events.