AUGUSTA – Gov. John Baldacci signed a bill giving 17-year-olds the right to vote in Maine primaries, provided they turn 18 in time for the general election.

Supporters of the legislation, LD 640, which Baldacci signed Friday, said it would encourage young Mainers to participate in the democratic system.

The bill was scaled back from a constitutional amendment that was introduced last year. In its original form, the bill sought to give unqualified voting rights to 17-year-olds.