I Support Youth Voices

& Civic Engagement

Vote Yes on Measure V in Albany, California!

Measure V follows the science of cognitive development and civic engagement, and builds on the successes of our neighbors in Berkeley and Oakland.

 

Cognitive Development 

Study after study after study has found that, when it comes to voting, there is no cognitive difference between sixteen-year-olds and eighteen-year-olds. While adolescent brains still need time to develop “hot” cognition–meaning highly emotional and impulsive decisions–they are fully equipped to handle more rational, deliberative decisions–or “cold” cognition–by the age of 16. By contrast, research finds that fifteen-year-olds are still developing this capacity, making 16 the natural age for attaining the vote. 16 and 17-year-olds additionally have the benefit of a great U.S. history, U.S. government, and economics curriculum taught to them in their junior and senior years of high school by the excellent teachers at Albany schools. They are well prepared to vote thoughtfully by teachers who are in the classroom with them every day, who understand deeply what they’re capable of - and have endorsed this measure to lower the voting age. 

Civic Engagement 

Voting once is a significant predictor of future civic engagement and voting. However, for many of us, turning 18 comes at a chaotic and stressful time where registering to vote and actually casting a ballot are the last thing we want to think about. Many 18-year-olds are learning to live on their own for the first time, taking on a new role in the workforce, or trying to navigate higher education or a new place to live, leading them to postpone or neglect voting. Younger voters have the benefit of a more stable living situation where they can be encouraged to vote by their families. By lowering the voting age for local elections, we are ensuring that more of our young voters will form durable habits of voting throughout their lives. Research 

Other Cities with Youth Voting 

Our neighbors in Oakland and Berkeley have already approved measures similar to Measure V, giving their 16 and 17-year-olds the right to vote in local races for School Board. Vote16, the national group advocating for lowering the voting age has run campaigns for similar measures in Cities and States all across the Country, including California, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, and Washington. 

Measure V has been endorsed by: 

Organizations:

  • The League of Women Voters Berkeley Albany Emeryville

  • Albany Teachers Association

  • The Albany Democratic Club

  • Alameda County Democratic Party

  • Alameda County Green Party 

  • SEIU Local 1021 

 

Individuals: 

  • John Miki, Albany Mayor 

  • Robin Lopez, Albany Vice-Mayor 

  • Preston Jordan, Albany City Councilmember 

  • Aaron Tiedemann, Albany City Councilmember 

  • Veronica Davidson, Albany School Board President 

  • Becky Hopwood, Albany School Board Vice-President

  • Sadia Kahn, Albany School Board Member 

  • Melissa Boyd, Albany School Board Member 

  • Josh Mahoney, Albany School Board Member