In a move to promote inclusivity and democratic participation, the Newark City Council unanimously approved a groundbreaking ordinance on Wednesday, granting 16 and 17-year-olds the right to vote in upcoming school board elections. This decision makes Newark the largest municipality in the U.S to expand voting rights to young people since the national voting age was lowered to 18 in 1971.
Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka expressed his support for the ordinance, emphasizing the importance of broadening democratic engagement. He stated, “Democracy is stronger when more people participate, and bringing younger people into the fold, who have so much at stake, is a great idea. Our elections will be energized, and our school boards will benefit.”
The expansion of voting rights will have a significant impact on over 7,000 16 and 17-year-old teens in Newark, giving them a meaningful say in school board policies that directly affect their lives. Ryan Haygood, President & CEO of the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, hailed the historic ordinance, stating, “This will empower more than 7,000 16- and 17-year-olds, 90% of whom are Black and Brown, to speak for themselves at the ballot box.”
The decision to lower the voting age in school board elections comes as a response to the lack of participation in Newark’s previous school board election, where only 3% of eligible participants turned out to vote. By giving young people a voice in these elections, Newark aims to address the disconnect between school board policies and their direct impact on 16 and 17-year-olds.
Newark City Council President LaMonica McIver, a sponsor of the ordinance, emphasized the positive implications of this decision, stating, “This ordinance is good for our young people, good for Newark, and good for New Jersey. I’m grateful to Mayor Baraka and the council for joining me to champion this important ordinance and look forward to its passage.”
The move to expand voting rights to younger individuals is part of a broader nationwide conversation surrounding civic engagement and the importance of involving the youth in shaping their communities. More than 200 school boards across the country have joined a lawsuit arguing that social media platforms have contributed to an unprecedented youth mental-health crisis, further highlighting the significance of empowering young voices.
As Newark takes the lead in this progressive initiative, it sets an example for other cities and states to consider similar measures. The decision reflects a growing recognition of the importance of youth participation in democratic processes and the need to create a more inclusive and representative system.
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, a breaking news writer for Digital and Fox Business, contributed to this article. She can be contacted at [email protected] and on X: @s_rumpfwhitten. Stay updated on the latest from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more political content by subscribing to our newsletter.
