Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Civic Engagement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Conestoga student urges lowering school-board voting age to 16 in Pennsylvania
Summary
A Conestoga High School senior representing Vote16PA asked the board to support legislation allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in Pennsylvania school-board elections, citing civic engagement research and plans to present to the Chester County legislative council in January.
Mia Chow, a Conestoga High School senior and Vote16PA organizer, used the public-comment period at the Nov. 24 Tredyffrin-Easttown School Board meeting to urge support for legislation allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in Pennsylvania school-board elections.
Chow told the board that 16- and 17-year-olds already take on adult responsibilities such as driving, working and paying taxes and that early voting can foster lifelong civic engagement. She said Vote16PA has drafted model legislation, begun coalition building and plans to present to the Chester County Intermediate Unit legislative council in January. "Students above the age of 16 can drive, earn money by working, and even pay taxes," Chow said. "As students of the education that school boards help provide, our voices should be heard."
President Kantorsik thanked Chow and commended student civic engagement; no board action was taken that evening in response to the request. Chow encouraged board members and community members to contact the group if they want more information.
