HAGERSTOWN – City officials clarified this week that the proposal to lower the municipal voting age to 16 would require an act of the Maryland General Assembly, since Hagerstown’s elections are conducted under the state’s election system.
The discussion followed a presentation earlier this fall by youth advocate Zoe Bernett, who brought the Vote 16 Maryland initiative to the council’s attention. The proposal, which has gained traction in other municipalities, seeks to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in local elections.
State law sets the limit
Council Administrator Scott Nicewarner explained that Hagerstown’s elections are included on the Washington County Board of Elections’ statewide ballot. Because of that, the city must follow the state’s voting requirements, including the minimum voting age of 18.
“Municipalities that run their own elections can make that change locally,” Nicewarner said, “but we’re under state control. It would take a legislative act to make it possible here.”
Nicewarner added that Vote 16 Maryland plans to lobby state lawmakers in the 2026 session to make the change statewide. Until that happens, he said, Hagerstown cannot legally adjust its age requirement.
Cost and logistics concerns
City staff members estimated that if Hagerstown wanted to operate its own election, separate from the county system, it would cost about $60,000 for a primary and another $60,000 for a general election, covering poll workers, ballot design and related expenses.
“That’s one of the reasons we joined the state cycle,” Nicewarner said. “Running our own elections would be costly and complicated.”
Council reaction
Councilmembers expressed mixed opinions. Some, including Caroline Anderson and Tiara Burnett, said they were interested in learning more about the initiative, noting that many 16-year-olds already take on adult responsibilities such as working, driving and paying taxes.
Others, including Councilmember Sean Flahery, said they opposed the idea, citing costs and a belief that voting should remain limited to adults. “We can’t afford to spend $120,000 on this,” Flahery said. “You can volunteer for a campaign when you’re 16, but I think you should be 18 to vote.”
Next steps
The council reached consensus that state law must change before the city could even consider lowering the voting age. Nicewarner said the matter could resurface in 2026, when Hagerstown conducts its next charter review and when Vote 16 Maryland is expected to press its case in Annapolis.
For now, councilmembers agreed their role is limited to monitoring the state effort and encouraging young people to stay engaged in civic life.
