OMAHA, Neb. — A Nebraska state senator has introduced a bill aimed at engaging teens in the political process by lowering the voting age to 16.

LR284CA, a proposed constitutional amendment, would allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in state and local elections if passed by the Legislature and approved by voters statewide.

Senator Terrell McKinney, who represents Omaha, said the goal is to encourage civic participation among young people and give them a voice in decisions that affect their communities.

"I also think it's an opportunity to get them engaged in the political process a lot earlier... It shouldn't just be a bunch of old people making decisions in the state and in our country, and leaving it up to the youth to pick up the pieces."

Currently, Nebraska law allows 17-year-olds to register and vote in primaries if they will turn 18 by the general election. Advocates of the measure argue that lowering the voting age further could help build lifelong voting habits. Critics, however, question whether younger teens have enough experience to participate in elections responsibly.

The bill has been referred to committee, and a hearing is expected in the coming months.