'Suffrage at 17' voting rights measure advances

Legislation that could expand the ability of Illinois teenagers to participate in the political process is headed to Gov. Bruce Rauner's desk. The measure, which would amend a 2013 law called “Suffrage at 17,” aims to allow 17-year-olds who turn 18 by the next general election to serve as voter registrars, sign candidates' nominating petitions and circulate those petitions as campaign staffers or volunteers. It also would allow qualified 17-year-olds to vote in consolidated primary elections, such as city council races. The proposal was created by the Political Action Club at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire. The state Senate approved the measure last week, and the state House took similar action Tuesday, officials said. Rauner's signature will make the plan law.