The Youth Voting Act
A California Assembly Bill that would let local jurisdictions authorize 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in their school district governing board elections. Nothing more, nothing less.
Existing law requires a person to be at least 18 to vote in any election. This bill would authorize a city, county, school district, or other local jurisdiction to permit individuals 16 and older to vote in elections for members of a school district governing board, if that authorization is adopted locally. It limits this to school board elections only, and expressly prohibits anyone under 18 from voting in statewide, federal, or other local elections. Youth voters must meet every existing voter eligibility requirement except age, and the Secretary of State would provide implementation guidance to county elections officials.
Advocating for the Youth Voting Act at the California State Capitol.
What it actually does.
Why it matters
School district governing boards set curriculum, budgets, student services, and school climate: decisions that directly shape the daily experience of the students they govern. The Legislature finds that civic engagement at a young age builds lifelong democratic participation, and that 16- and 17-year-olds are capable of participating responsibly in these elections.
What it authorizes
The bill authorizes, but does not require, a city, county, school district, or other local jurisdiction to permit individuals 16 years of age and older to vote in elections for their local school district governing board.
Strictly limited scope
This authorization applies only to school district governing board elections. It does not, and cannot, be used to permit anyone under 18 to vote in statewide, federal, or any other local election.
Who's eligible
A youth voter must be at least 16, a U.S. citizen, a resident of the jurisdiction holding the election, and must meet every other existing voter registration requirement under California law. The only requirement being waived is age.
How it's adopted locally
A jurisdiction can implement youth voting by an ordinance or resolution passed by its governing body, or through a ballot measure approved directly by voters. Both the decision and the method are entirely local.
State guidance, local administration
The Secretary of State provides implementation guidance to county elections officials, who administer youth voter registration and voting using the state's existing election infrastructure. No new systems required.
Data, transparency & accountability
Jurisdictions are encouraged to collect nonidentifying data on youth voter registration and turnout, which the Secretary of State may compile to evaluate the impact of youth voting on civic participation statewide.
The fine print
The act is severable: if any single provision were ever struck down, the rest of the law stays in effect. It would take effect on January 1 following its enactment.
Stand with the Youth Voting Act.
Organizations and individuals can formally back the bill by signing our coalition letter. Every signature strengthens the case when this legislation reaches committee.
Questions & answers.
Every legitimate concern about this bill has a clear, sourced answer, from skeptics, legislators, and school boards.
Ready to back the bill?
Sign our coalition letter to formally support the Youth Voting Act as it moves through the Legislature.