Watch CBS News

Md. City Lowers Voting Age For Its Elections To 16

TAKOMA PARK, Md. (AP) -- A small Maryland city just outside the Washington, D.C., city limits has voted to lower the voting age for city elections to 16.

The Takoma Park City Council voted 6-1 on Monday to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in city elections starting in November.

The council also voted to allow convicted felons who have served their time to vote.

Councilman Tim Male, who voted for the measure, told a local TV station that elected officials are trying to make it possible for more people to be part of the city government.

The lone councilmember to vote against the measure wanted the issue put to referendum.

Takoma Park, known as a liberal-leaning community, has a population of about 17,000. The law takes effect in 50 days.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.