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San Francisco, California, Proposition G, Local Election Voting Age Charter Amendment (November 2020)
| San Francisco Proposition G | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Election date November 3, 2020 | |
| Topic Local election and voting laws and Local charter amendments | |
Status Defeated | |
| Type Referral | Origin Lawmakers |
San Francisco Proposition G was on the ballot as a referral in San Francisco on November 3, 2020. It was defeated.
A “yes” vote supported amending the city charter to lower the voting age to 16 for local candidates and ballot measures. |
A “no” vote opposed amending the city charter to lower the voting age to 16 for local candidates and ballot measures. |
A simple majority was required for the approval of Proposition G.
In November 2016, San Francisco voters rejected Proposition F, which would have amended the city charter to lower the minimum voting age requirement from 18 to 16 for city elections. The measure was defeated in a vote of 52.1% to 47.9%.
Election results
|
San Francisco Proposition G |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Result | Votes | Percentage | ||
| Yes | 207,054 | 49.21% | ||
|
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213,694 | 50.79% | ||
Text of measure
Ballot question
The ballot question was as follows:[1]
| “ | Shall the City amend the Charter to allow San Francisco residents to vote for local candidates and local ballot measures if they are U.S. citizens, at least 16 years old and registered to vote?[2] | ” |
Ballot simplification digest
The following summary of the measure was prepared by the office of the Ballot Simplification Committee:
| “ | The Way It Is Now: San Francisco residents who are at least 18 years old and United States citizens may vote in San Francisco elections. San Francisco voters may vote for local and state candidates and ballot measures, as well as federal candidates.
The Proposal: Proposition G is a Charter amendment that would allow San Francisco residents to vote for local candidates and local ballot measures if those residents are U.S. citizens, at least 16 years old and registered to vote. Local candidates include candidates for City offices, the Board of Education and the Community College Board of Trustees. Proposition G would not permit 16- and 17-year-olds to vote for state candidates, state ballot measures or federal candidates. A 'YES' Vote Means: If you vote 'yes,' you want to amend the Charter to allow San Francisco residents to vote for local candidates and local ballot measures if they are U.S. citizens, at least 16 years old and registered to vote. A 'NO' Vote Means: If you vote 'no,' you do not want to make this change.[2] |
” |
Full text
The full text of the measure is available here.
Support
Supporters
- San Francisco Board of Supervisors[1]
- San Francisco Mayor London Breed[1]
- San Francisco Democratic Party[3]
- League Of Women Voters Of San Francisco[3]
- San Francisco League Of Conservation Voters[3]
- San Francisco Women's Political Committee[3]
- SEIU Local 1021[3]
- San Francisco Labor Council[3]
Official arguments
The official arguments in support of Proposition G were authored by San Francisco Mayor London Breed and San Francisco Board of Supervisors:[1]
| “ | VOTE Yes on Proposition G: Vote16 SF, for the expansion of voting rights.
Voting is the cornerstone of democracy and vital to San Francisco’s future. To solve our society’s most pressing challenges, we need to increase voter participation, now and into the future. That is why we’re voting YES on Proposition G. Voter turnout in the United States is far lower than other established democracies, and turnout is lowest among those aged 18-29. However, the research is clear − the earlier someone casts their first vote, the more likely they are to become habitual, lifelong voters. Undeniably, 16 and 17 year olds are impacted by the decisions we make at the ballot box around education, transportation, housing, policing, and economic development. They have also been at the forefront of local, national, and global movements to advance civil and human rights, address inequality, end gun violence, reform our criminal justice system, and confront climate change. 16 and 17 year olds possess the same level of civic knowledge as 21 year olds, and they have demonstrated equal levels of political skill and activism. Time and time again, San Francisco has led positive change. With Proposition G, we have another chance to make history. Passing this measure will make San Francisco the first major U.S. city to expand voting rights to 16 and 17 year olds. We can show the country that we are serious about ensuring that today’s youth become the informed and committed voters of tomorrow. Join us in voting YES on Proposition G.[2] |
” |
Opposition
Opponents
Official arguments
The official arguments in opposition to Proposition G were authored by Richie Greenberg:[1]
| “ | Teens are children, legally. Parents are responsible for their children's actions and to ensure their well-being.
Unfortunately, we see increasing evidence of San Francisco's schools' indoctrinating our youth, heavily politicizing so many aspects of our city's issues and our lives, that a child does not receive the best information to make a truly informed decision. Potential bias is everywhere. The only way to make a good decision, such as which way to vote in an election, is to base the decision on maturity and experience. Teens are children. They still need permission slips to go on a field trip. Many if not most of our city teens do not drive, don't work, and have not participated in owning or managing a business. They can't- they aren't allowed to sign contracts. Moreover, they don't pay taxes, they don't have credit card accounts- in other words, the worldly experiences of being an adult hasn't yet come to them. Imagine a teen voting on an issue which they themselves will not feel the implications of? Therefore, until a 16 or 17 year old teen is able to actually understand and feel the results and ramifications of their decisions of a vote should they be allowed to vote. The doors to opportunity open at 18. Therefore, join me in voting NO on Prop G.[2] |
” |
Media editorials
- See also: 2020 ballot measure media endorsements
Ballotpedia identified the following media editorial boards as taking positions on the ballot measure. If you are aware of a media editorial board position that is not listed below, please email the editorial link to editor@ballotpedia.org.
Support
- San Francisco Bay Guardian: “Voting, the data shows, is a learned experience. The sooner people start getting registered and going to the polls, the longer and more frequently they vote. Prop. G would allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in local elections. Vote yes."[4]
- Bay Area Reporter: "Prop G would allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote on all local races and city ballot measures. A charter amendment, it is similar to a measure in 2016 that was defeated by voters. Yee, a former school board member, supports the measure, which would increase voter participation. Supporters are right to point out that decisions made at the ballot box often impact 16- and 17-year-olds, from police reform to transportation, housing, and economic development. They should be able to have their voices heard by exercising their right to vote. Vote YES on Prop G."[5]
Opposition
- San Francisco Chronicle: “This is a rerun on lowering the voting age to 16, an idea that narrowly failed in 2016. It’s still the same argument that young people are ready for decisionmaking in city elections. But that sweeping idea neglects the rest of civic life: 18 for military service and tobacco sales and signing contracts. Putting voting at the low end doesn’t make sense. There’s disappointment built into this measure. The target audience would only get to vote in city matters, not state or federal with rules beyond San Francisco’s reach. There are plenty of ways to draw young people into public participation short of handing them a ballot when they turn 16. Vote No.”[6]
Background
Voting under the age of 18 in other states
The federal voting age is 18, but as of October 2020, 18 states and Washington D.C. permitted voters who will be 18 by the general election to vote in the primary while they are 17. The following states allowed this:[7]
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On November 3, 2020, California voters decided on Proposition 18, which was designed to allow 17-year-olds who will be 18 at the time of the next general election to vote in primary elections and special elections.
Path to the ballot
This measure was put on the ballot through a unanimous vote of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors on June 30, 2020.[1]
See also
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 San Francisco Elections Office, "Qualified Local and District Measures," accessed October 12, 2020
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 California Choices, "San Francisco Ballot Endorsements," accessed October 20, 2020
- ↑ San Francisco Bay Guardian, "Endorsements Fall 2020," October 1, 2020
- ↑ Bay Area Reporter, "Editorial: Vote yes on all SF props," September 23, 2020
- ↑ San Francisco Chronicle, “Editorial: San Francisco ballot recommendations cover taxes, housekeeping and social change.,” October 6, 2020
- ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "Voting Age for Primary Elections," March 2, 2020
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