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H.R. 734House116th Congress (2019-2021)In Committee

Next Generation Votes Act

Sponsored by Joe NeguseRep. Joe Neguse (D-CO)
Introduced January 23, 2019

AI-Generated Summary

Updated April 14, 2026 at 12:49 AM UTC

The Next Generation Votes Act would change the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 so that states must accept voter‑registration applications from people who are at least 16 years old, even if they are under 18 when they apply. The rule applies only to elections for federal offices and does not lower the legal voting age. It would take effect for any federal election held on or after January 1, 2020.

Key Provisions

  • States may not refuse to accept or process a registration application from a person who is at least 16 years old, even if the applicant is under 18 at the time of filing.
  • The amendment does not require states to let anyone under 18 actually vote in federal elections.
  • Section 8 of the National Voter Registration Act is amended to add this new requirement.
  • The new rule applies to federal elections occurring on or after January 1, 2020.

Legislative Activity

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1 earlier action
HouseIntro Referral Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.

Committee on House Administration

January 23, 2019

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

January 23, 2019

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.

Committee on House Administration

January 23, 2019

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued January 23, 2019

I

116th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 734

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

January 23, 2019

Mr. Neguse (for himself and Mr. Sarbanes) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on House Administration

A BILL

To amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require States to accept applications to register to vote in elections for Federal office in the State from individuals under 18 years of age at the time of application.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Next Generation Votes Act.

2.

Acceptance of voter registration applications from individuals under 18 years of age

(a)

Acceptance of applications

Section 8 of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (52 U.S.C. 20507) is amended—

(1)

by redesignating subsection (j) as subsection (k); and

(2)

by inserting after subsection (i) the following new subsection:

(j)

Acceptance of applications from individuals under 18 years of age

(1)

In general

A State may not refuse to accept or process an individual’s application to register to vote in elections for Federal office on the grounds that the individual is under 18 years of age at the time the individual submits the application, so long as the individual is at least 16 years of age at such time.

(2)

No effect on State voting age requirements

Nothing in paragraph (1) may be construed to require a State to permit an individual who is under 18 years of age at the time of an election for Federal office to vote in the election.

.

(b)

Effective date

The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to elections occurring on or after January 1, 2020.