Title
a. Receive a report on research related to Board Referral 2018.25 issued by Supervisor Alejo and then Supervisor Simon Salinas on October 18, 2018, to place a ballot measure on the November 2020 General Election to Expand Suffrage to Citizens of 16 & 17 Years of Age in Local Elections in Monterey County; and
b. Support the Monterey County Elections Department in expanding outreach and civic engagement opportunities to the youth of Monterey County; and
c. Consider a recommendation by the Legislative Committee to support ACA 4 (Mullin) Elections: voting age; and ACA 8 (Low) Elections: voter qualifications; and
d. Consider adoption of a Resolution supporting the concept of lowering the legal voting age in California to 16 in partial response to the Board Referral.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive a report on research related to Board Referral 2018.25 issued by Supervisor Alejo and then Supervisor Simon Salinas on October 18, 2018, to place a ballot measure on the November 2020 General Election to Expand Suffrage to Citizens of 16 & 17 Years of Age in Local Elections in Monterey County; and
b. Support the Monterey County Elections Department in expanding outreach and civic engagement opportunities to the youth of Monterey County; and
c. Consider a recommendation by the Legislative Committee to support ACA 4 (Mullin) Elections: voting age; and ACA 8 (Low) Elections: voter qualifications; and
d. Consider adoption of a Resolution supporting the concept of lowering the legal voting age in California to 16 in partial response to the Board Referral.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Elections Department received a referral to research the concept of lowering the voting age to 16 or 17-years of age, in local elections only. This report discusses the history of lowering the voting age, the legality of lowering the voting age and implementation issues involved if the voting age was lowered.
In regard to this issue, the Legislative Committee recommends that the Board of Supervisors support 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 a Board Referral issued by Supervisor Alejo and then Supervisor Salinas on October 18, 2018, Supervisor Alejo proposes that the Board of Supervisors adopt a Resolution supporting the concept of lowering the legal voting age in California to 16.
Additional background information on matters covered in this report are included in the attached Exhibit A.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the language of this Board Report. The County Elections Department in collaboration with the County Administrative Office - Intergovernmental & Legislative Affairs Division prepared this report with the assistance of the Office of County Counsel. The Board’s Legislative Committee made recommendations regarding support for ACA 4 and ACA 8.
FINANCING:
Election costs of 16/17 year old participants would be on par with a standalone election, currently estimated at $14 to $20 per underage individual. Given the unknown of how many individuals in this age group would eventually register, presumably including those who may register on election day, and the extensive time and resources needed for balloting and materials, preparation would be made for an estimated population based on available Census data, as opposed to the number of pre-registered youth. Current ACS estimates 12,057, 16- and 17-year-old potential voters. Thus, the per election cost, for 16- and 17-year-olds to vote on local measures, is estimated between $168,000 and $240,000. The overall cost of the proposed voting age expansion is in addition to the estimated countywide consolidated election cost of $1.1 to $1.5 million.
Monterey County’s Legislative Program is funded in County Administrative Office-Department 1050; Intergovernmental & Legislative Affairs Division-Unit 8054. Approval of the legislative support recommendations will not result in additional General Fund contributions.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This item is in line with the Board’s vision of accountable and transparent administration of government services.
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
☒ Administration:
Promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and
is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability and
transparency.
Prepared by: Jessica Cedillo, Program Manager, x1486
Approved by: Claudio Valenzuela, Registrar of Voters. x1499
Prepared by: Annette D’Adamo, Management Analyst III, x3045
Approved by: Nicolas E. Chiulos, Assistant CAO, x5145
Attachments: Exhibit A - Background
Exhibit B - 16- and 17- year-old PowerPoint presentation
Exhibit C - Draft ACA 4 Support Letter
Exhibit D - Draft ACA 8 Support Letter
Exhibit E - Resolution