A bill that would lower the Wisconsin voting age to 17 under specific conditions passed 3-2 in a committee meeting Monday at the Capitol.
Under Senate Bill 6, citizens who reach age 18 by an election will be allowed to vote in the election primary at age 17.
After passing in the committee on Labor, Elections and Urban Affairs, the bill will next be referred to the Scheduling Committee.
State Sen. Fred Risser, D-Madison, an author of the bill, spoke to the committee Monday along with the student council president from Madison West High School.
""Anything that will encourage young people to participate in politics and get out and vote I think makes good politics,"" Risser said.
He also praised the speech made by West High's student council president, who pointed out that young people are often very aware and involved with politics.
Mike Prentiss, spokesperson for state Sen. Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, said this bill is not something supported by Fitzgerald.
""It's not something we think needs to be changed,"" Prentiss said. ""You've got to draw a line somewhere and no matter where you draw it, there's always going to be someone who's birthday is a day after that election day.""
Prentiss also said he thinks more important issues are taking a backseat.
""If you look at the demographic breakdown of younger voters they tend to be among the more liberal sects among the voting population,"" he said. ""I don't want to say there's a partisan motivation at play here but you never can tell.""
In response to criticism, Risser said he doesn't see any basis for similar claims.
""Eight states already have this, and it hasn't indicated that it affects the political structure one way or another,"" Risser said.
Adam Plotkin, clerk for the committee, pointed out that regardless of current support for the bill, the voters still have the final say.
""Even if it passes the entire legislature and even if the governor signs it,"" Plotkin said. ""Because it lowers the voting age, it has to go to a one time referendum before the voters.""
