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Board unanimously sends measure to let 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds vote in municipal elections to the November ballot
Summary
The Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to place a charter amendment on the November 3, 2020 municipal ballot to allow 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds to vote in city elections. Supervisors praised youth advocacy and cited turnout benefits and civic education arguments.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a charter amendment (item 9) on June 30 to place a measure on the November 3, 2020 ballot that would authorize 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds to vote in municipal elections.
Supervisor Aaron Peskin and a bipartisan group of supervisors joined Supervisor Mandelmann in sponsoring the measure. In remarks introducing the item, Supervisor Mandelmann praised the San Francisco Youth Commission and youth advocates for pushing to make San Francisco an early adopter of the policy among large U.S. cities. Mandelmann and other supervisors argued that earlier voting opportunities help build lifelong voting habits, increase turnout among young voters and allow residents who are affected by municipal decisions (schools, policing, housing and transportation) to have a voice sooner.
The board recorded an 11‑0 vote to submit the charter amendment to the ballot. Several supervisors referenced comparative turnout data and evidence from other jurisdictions that have lowered municipal voting ages, noting potential increases in youth participation.
Ending: The measure will appear on the November 3, 2020 municipal ballot; if approved by voters the charter would be amended to allow 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds to vote in city elections.
