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City of San Francisco 16 Years Voting Age Charter Amendment (November 2015)
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A charter amendment to reduce the city's voting age to 16 years was not on the ballot for voters in San Francisco, California, on November 3, 2015. The measure's sponsor, San Francisco Supervisor John Avalos, said he might reintroduce the measure in 2016.[1]
If put on the ballot and approved, this measure would have decreased the city's legal voting age from 18 to 16.[2]
San Francisco Supervisor John Avalos introduced the measure to the city council. Supervisor Eric Mar also supported the proposal.[2]
Supporters of the change argued that it would instill a sense of civic engagement in the city's young people and would encourage the early formation of good voting habits.[2]
According to Phil Matier, writing for CBS, this measure was supported by the more progressive members of city government, in part, because younger voters were expected to "lean liberal" at the polls. The proposal also came on the heels of a resolution passed by the San Francisco Youth Commission asking the city to grant voting rights to 16- and 17-year-olds.[2]
Measure tabled until 2016
Supervisor John Avalos, the sponsor of this measure, tabled it on June 8, 2015. Avalos announced that he would reintroduce the measure in 2016, saying the proposal would have a better chance of passing with the larger voter turnout of a presidential election year. Avalos said, “We need more time to discuss this with young people and the public in general. But I also think it’s important the largest number of voters weigh in on this."[1]
Support
Supporters argued that allowing teens to vote early would instill a sense of civic involvement and build the habit of voting early.[2]
Opposition
Opponents argued that teenagers at the age of 16 or 17 are unlikely to be well-informed, responsible voters or have enough experience to match up political decisions with values. Opponents also expressed concern about the possibility of young voters being manipulated by others.[2]
See also
- Local elections and campaigns on the ballot
- San Francisco City and County, California ballot measures
- November 3, 2015 ballot measures in California
External links
Footnotes
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