Just for the record, the voting age in Rhode Island — and everywhere else in the United States — is 18.

There was some confusion about this matter on the House floor last Tuesday. As lawmakers discussed a bill by state Rep. Edwin R. Pacheco to allow 16-year-olds to preregister to vote — so their registration would actually become active once they turn 18 — it became apparent that several lawmakers thought they were discussing a bill to allow people to start voting once they turn 16.

Then came the comment from Rep. Joseph A. Trillo, R-Warwick, — “I’m not sure we should let some people 21 vote, let alone age 16” — followed by further comments from Trillo indicating he thought the voting age was currently 21, and not 18. (The voting age in the United States was indeed 21 until 1971, when it was lowered to 18.)

“I was definitely confused,” Trillo said the next day.

After further reflection on Pacheco’s bill, Trillo said he considers it more important for young adults to be well-informed than to have attained a certain age before voting. He said he would support introducing some sort of test at the polls for voters of all ages — for instance, requiring them to demonstrate that they know who the candidates are in a particular race before casting a vote in that race.

“Voting is a privilege,” Trillo said. “I think people, before they vote, should have a certain level of knowledge about what they vote for.”

As for Pacheco’s bill, it passed the House and is now headed for the Senate.

jmulligan@belo-dc.com