The Institute at Newark City Hall Advocates to Lower the Voting Age for School Board Elections 

Whether it’s omitting Black history from school curriculum, gun violence, over-criminalization of students of color, LGBTQ+ discrimination, the climate crisis or so much more, our young people are directly impacted by the policies our school boards enact every single day.  

We know they care because we see them marching and speaking out passionately – yet they have no say in who makes these policies.  

Sixteen and 17-year-olds often have “adult” responsibilities. They can pay taxes, care for ailing family members, run a business and even make substantial financial contributions to their households. There’s no reason they can’t vote. 

Combined with teaching civics, lowering the voting age also creates an early habit of voting and overall civic engagement. 

It is also a great way to increase our abysmal school board election voter turnout while making our democracy stronger and more inclusive. 

The ordinance now moves on to a Jan. 10 vote. 

We are grateful to our partners and the young people who are in this fight with us, and to you for your ongoing support. 

If this idea is new to you and you want to learn more about why Vote16NJ is the way to go, read our recent report. 

In the meantime, stay tuned for opportunities to support the effort in Newark and elsewhere.