The City of Rockville is considering lowering the voting age to 16 for municipal elections as part of a series of proposed changes to the City Charter and election laws.
The Mayor and Council will hold public hearings on the proposals on Monday, November 2 and Monday, November 9. Both hearings are scheduled for 7pm at Rockville City Hall, located at 111 Maryland Ave.
One proposed amendment to the Rockville City Charter would lower the minimum voting age for city elections to 16, allowing 16- and 17-year-old residents to vote in Rockville municipal elections.
Additional proposed changes would establish term limits for the Mayor and Council. Under the proposal, members could serve no more than four consecutive four-year terms.
Another Charter amendment would establish 18 as the minimum age to serve as a member of the Mayor and Council.
The City is also considering broader amendments to Chapter 8 of the Rockville City Code, which governs elections. Those changes would update definitions, campaign finance and enforcement provisions, establish the powers and duties of the Board of Supervisors of Elections, implement new state requirements and make other changes related to the administration of city elections.
The Elections Code amendments would also include provisions allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to register and vote and implementing term limits. The proposed Charter amendments are being considered under state and city law. No final action has been taken on the proposals.
Community members can attend the public hearings in person at Rockville City Hall. Mayor and Council meetings are also broadcast live on Rockville 11 and streamed online by the City.
