Title
Consider adoption of a Resolution supporting the concept of lowering the legal voting age in California to 16 in response to Board Referral 2018.25 issued by Supervisor Alejo and former Supervisor Simon Salinas on October 18, 2018.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors consider adoption of a Resolution supporting the concept of lowering the legal voting age in California to 16 in partial response to Board Referral 2018-.25 issued by Supervisor Alejo and former Supervisor Simon Salinas on October 18, 2018.
SUMMARY
On May 7, 2019, the Board of Supervisors approved letters of support for Assembly Constitutional Amendment (ACA) 4 by Assembly member Mullin and ACA 8 by Assembly member Low. ACA 4 would authorize a U.S. citizen who is 17 years of age, is a resident of the state, and will be at least 18 years of age at the time of the next general election to vote in any intervening primary or special elections that occurs before the next general election. ACA 8 would reduce the minimum voting age to 17.
Additionally, as part of a response to the Board Referral 2018.25, Supervisor Alejo proposes that the Board of Supervisors adopt a Resolution supporting the concept of lowering the legal voting age in California to 16.
DISCUSSION
In 1971, 18-year-olds across the United States won the right to vote through the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Further, the California Constitution, allows citizens who are 18 years of age and a resident of the State to vote. However, there are efforts to lower the voting age throughout the country. A U.S. Congresswoman from New York has introduced a proposed constitutional amendment to lower the voting age in America to 16. This legislation has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee where it is awaiting further action. In Oregon, a bill has passed through the legislature to allow 16-year-olds to vote, which will be on the 2020 ballot for voters to decide. Thirteen other state...
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