Elections board won't change voting age policy despite student's petition

MADISON (AP) — The Wisconsin state elections board has decided not to change its policy about when a voter turns 18 and is eligible to vote.

The Government Accountability Board was asked by Grafton High School student Zachary Ziolkowski to vote in the Nov. 4 election, arguing that he is eligible because his 18th birthday is on Nov. 5. His father Tim Ziolkowski, an attorney, argued Tuesday that he actually turns 18 on Nov. 4 and on his birthday he is 18 years and one day old.

But members of the elections board voted unanimously not to change its current practice, which is to not allow someone to register to vote until their 18th birthday.

Zachary Ziolkowski says he wants to vote so his voice can be heard.