On February 20, 2026, the Washington State Legislature made headlines by introducing a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at expanding voting rights in the state. The amendment, known as Senate Joint Resolution 42, seeks to revise the state constitution to allow individuals as young as 16 years old to vote in local and state elections.If passed, Washington would become the first state in the country to extend voting rights to 16 and 17-year-olds. Proponents of the amendment argue that young people are affected by policies and decisions made by elected officials, and therefore should have a say in the democratic process."We believe that 16 and 17-year-olds are mature enough to make informed decisions about their future and should have a voice in our democracy," said State Senator Maria Rodriguez, one of the sponsors of the resolution. "Empowering young people to participate in the political process will not only increase voter turnout, but also promote civic engagement and education among our youth."However, opponents of the amendment have expressed concerns about the potential impact on the electoral system and the maturity of younger voters. Some argue that 16 and 17-year-olds may lack the life experience and knowledge necessary to make informed decisions at the ballot box.The proposed amendment will need to pass both chambers of the Washington State Legislature with a two-thirds majority before it can be placed on the ballot for voters to decide. If approved by the voters, the amendment would go into effect in time for the next state and local elections.Washington has a history of being at the forefront of voting rights and electoral reforms. In recent years, the state has implemented automatic voter registration, same-day voter registration, and pre-registration for 16 and 17-year-olds. The proposed constitutional amendment is seen as another step towards ensuring that all eligible citizens have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.As the debate over the proposed amendment continues, Washington residents and lawmakers alike will be closely watching to see if the state will make history by expanding voting rights to 16 and 17-year-olds.