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Supervisors accept introduction of 'Vote 16' charter amendment to let 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds vote in city elections
Summary
President Yee introduced a charter amendment on behalf of the San Francisco Youth Commission to place a 'Vote 16' measure on the November ballot, allowing 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds to vote in municipal elections if approved by voters.
President Yee introduced a charter amendment on May 12 to place a measure on the November ballot that would allow 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds to vote in San Francisco municipal elections if approved by the voters. The introduction drew support from board members and youth commissioners who organized a youth‑led press event earlier the same day.
Yee said the effort was led by the San Francisco Youth Commission and youth advocates who have previously advanced a similar ballot question in 2016. He said the city’s youth “build the habit of voting” if enfranchised and cited studies and international comparisons showing younger voting ages can lift turnout among young voters.
Kylie Hochman, director of the San Francisco Youth Commission, and youth commissioners including Ariana Nasari spoke in support during public comment and at an earlier press event. Hochman told the board the commission and more than two dozen community organizations support the measure and are prepared to assist with implementation if voters approve it.
Several supervisors said they supported the concept and planned to cosponsor the measure. Supervisor Feuer said she had long supported early civic engagement programs and earlier efforts to preregister 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds.
What happens next: Introduction of the charter amendment places the measure on the board’s agenda to proceed through the city’s charter amendment and ballot‑placement processes. If placed on the ballot and approved by voters, the charter language would change city election rules to permit municipal voting at age 16 for city contests.
Why it matters: San Francisco would be among the first large U.S. cities to permit municipal voting at age 16; proponents say the change could increase lifelong turnout by normalizing voting earlier in civic life and give young residents a formal voice in local policy decisions affecting schools, housing and transportation.
Ending: President Yee asked colleagues to join as cosponsors; youth commission leadership said they would continue outreach leading up to the November ballot.
