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Dane County board urges state to lower voting age to 16 for school board elections; resolution adopted
Summary
The board adopted a nonbinding resolution asking the Wisconsin Legislature to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in school board elections and to make university ID a valid voter ID for students; a 15-year-old student and other board members spoke in favor.
The Dane County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution on June 26 urging the state of Wisconsin to lower the voting age to 16 for school board elections and to take steps to make voting more accessible for young people.
Anna Stevens, 15, spoke in favor of the resolution on behalf of students who want a voice in decisions that affect their education. Supervisor Friess, who sponsored the resolution, said youth engagement in voting is low and that lowering the voting age for school board elections and improving student voter access—such as recognizing university identification as valid voter ID and reviewing residency rules—would help sustain civic participation.
The version before the board was a committee-approved “freeze” amendment (sub 1). The board approved the resolution by voice vote. The clerk recorded that Supervisor Smith and Supervisor McCarville intended to abstain; Supervisor Wagon asked to be recorded as voting no.
Supporters said 16- and 17-year-olds are capable of participating in school-board elections and that easing registration and ID rules for students would increase turnout and civic responsibility. The resolution is nonbinding and asks state lawmakers to act on these issues.
