The Maryland State Board of Elections will hold a meeting this week to discuss a recent policy change that prevents 17-year-olds from voting in a primary election, if they will be 18 years old by the time of the general election.

Ross Goldstein, deputy administrator for the board, said the board has been sending letters to 17-year-olds to notify them of the change, which was made in wake of a ruling by the Attorney General's office in December 2006. The board's meeting will be held Thursday.

Raquel Guillory, a spokeswoman for Attorney General Doug Gansler, said the attorney general's office will review the decision. Guillory said issues have been raised by Sen. Jamie Raskin, D-Montgomery, that go beyond the initial opinion.

"We're going to take a good look at these issues and respond to the senator in an expeditious manner," Guillory said.

Maryland's presidential primary is scheduled for Feb. 12.

Both Democrats and Republicans have criticized the change. The Maryland GOP filed a notice today with the board opposing the policy, requesting a full retraction.

Jim Pelura, chairman of the Maryland Republican Party, said the General Assembly has not yet addressed the issue, making it premature for the board to act.

The Maryland Democratic Party also issued a statement today, saying the party has been in ongoing discussions with the board and the attorney general's office to reverse the policy change. Democrats also sent a letter to the board to register their opposition.

"We recently initiated conversations on this issue with the Maryland Republican Party and we know we stand unified," said Maryland Democratic Party Chairman Michael Cryor. "We are confident that this request will be well received but if needed, we are prepared to go to court for a quick ruling to preserve our rights as a party and the rights of eligible 17-year-old voters."

Ross said there are a little more than 3,600 people who will be 17 during the primary and 18 by the time of the general election who have registered to vote.