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San Francisco May Soon Let 16-Year-Olds Vote

If “Prop G” passes, 16 and 17-year-olds in San Francisco will have the right to vote in local elections.
By - posted 9/15/2020 No Comment

Thanks to NBC News for letting us know that SF may soon allow 16-year-olds to vote in local elections. If passed, San Francisco would be the first large city to give those as young as 16 to vote.

In the coming November election, San Francisco residents will not only cast ballots for the next President but they will also decide whether 16 and 17 years old should be allowed to vote in local elections. 

A similar measure on the ballot in 2016 failed 48% approval.

The measure, known as Prop G “Youth Voting in Local Elections“ states that ““any person who is at least 16 years old, meets all the qualifications for voter registration in accordance with state law other than those provisions that address age, and is registered to vote with the Department of Elections”

About San Francisco’s “Prop G”

Pro arguments for allowing 16-year-olds to vote in local elections

“…the research is clear – the earlier someone casts a vote, the more likely they are to become habitual, lifelong voters”

Con arguments against allowing 16-year-olds to vote in local elections

“…we see increasing evidence of San Francisco’s schools indoctrinating our youth… Potential bias is everywhere.”

RELATED: California’s Prop 18 / 17-Year-Old Voting Age Limit

There is also a California State Proposition allowing 17-year-olds throughout the state to vote in primary and special elections

Read the full Proposition 18 – “Amends California constitution to permit 17-year-olds to vote in primary and special elections if they will turn 18 by the next general election and be otherwise eligible to vote. Legislative constitutional amendment.”

Pro/Con According to Official Voter Information Guide

  • Pro: “Proposition 18 will allow first-time voters to participate in a full election cycle provided that they are 18 by the time of the general election. This measure is needed to boost youth civic engagement in our elections and help create more lifelong participants in the most fundamental process of democracy.” 
  • Con: “Science and legal consistency demand a NO vote on Proposition 18. Law prohibits younger teens from smoking, drinking and even tanning because research shows the logic and reasoning area of their brains is not fully developed. Those abilities are vital to responsible voting. We must not lower the voting age.”

Read more about Prop 18.