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SFUSD board endorses resolution to teach voter registration to 16–17-year-olds
Summary
The San Francisco Unified School District board unanimously approved a resolution urging voter education and registration instruction for 16–17-year-olds in American democracy classes, supported by student testimony and district leaders as a way to boost long-term turnout.
The San Francisco Unified School District board on a unanimous roll call approved a resolution encouraging the district to teach voter registration and preregistration procedures to 16- and 17-year-old students in American democracy classes and to expand student leadership opportunities that promote civic engagement.
Student speakers from several high schools urged support, saying classroom instruction and school-based appointment of student leaders would increase voter knowledge and turnout. Dion Williams, a junior at Burton High School, told the board the curriculum would give students the practical skills to register once they are eligible. Iris Morel, a Lowell High sophomore and Student Advisory Council member, said that teaching registration in class would create a “trickle-up” effect encouraging family members to participate.
Commissioners framed the resolution as complementary to the board’s earlier support for local Vote 16 efforts. Commissioner Norton, a co-sponsor, said the resolution implements the educational component missing from a simple change in voting age and called the measure “a key strategy” to increase civic participation. Another commissioner cited staff estimates that the policy could yield roughly 4,000 new registrants annually.
The resolution asks the superintendent to ensure American democracy courses include a lesson on registration and preregistration consistent with California law (transcript reference to “California election code 21,020”), to partner with the county registrar of voters on information sheets, and to work with nonpartisan groups to offer at least annual voter registration drives at high schools. The board recorded five ayes on the roll call vote recorded in the meeting.
Next steps called for by the resolution include staff collaboration with the registrar and nonpartisan partners to develop materials and to integrate the instruction into the district’s annual LCAP budget process. The board did not adopt new regulations governing charter schools; a commissioner noted the policy does not apply to charter schools and encouraged outreach to charters separately.
The board’s adoption follows student-led public testimony and will be incorporated into district planning for the coming school year.
