Newark Teens Cast First Votes in School Board Elections
Newark, NJ – For the first time, 16- and 17-year-olds in Newark had the opportunity to vote in school board elections, a change that advocates hope will increase voter turnout in the historically low-turnout races. More than 1,800 eligible teens registered to vote, showing enthusiasm for having a say in the decisions that impact their education.
The newly eligible voters expressed excitement at being able to participate in the democratic process, with some stating that it made them feel like their opinions and voices mattered. The Board of Education oversees policies affecting around 40,000 students and approves a massive annual budget of over $1.5 billion, yet voter turnout has typically been as low as 3% in past elections.
Newark’s initiative to lower the voting age in school board elections has caught the attention of other New Jersey municipalities, including Jersey City and Atlantic City, which are also considering similar changes. Gov. Phil Murphy has endorsed the idea of lowering the voting age statewide, hoping to see more young voices represented in local elections.
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