Seventeen-year-olds could be allowed to vote in a primary election, according to a new bill (A3690/S1888) passed by the state Legislature in late December.

Teens will have to turn 18 by the general election in order to participate in the primaries. The measure awaits Gov. Murphy’s signature and wouldn’t take effect until Jan. 1, 2026.

The bill was largely opposed by Republicans, but made its way through the Legislature this year. Voting rights advocates applaud the bill, saying it will increase civic engagement among younger voters.

Gov. Chris Christie once voted a similar measure, calling it a “preliminary step” towards underage voting. However, he signed a law in 2015 allowing 17-year-olds to register to vote if they’d turn 18 by a general election.