Newark Lowers Voting Age to 16 for School Board Elections

Unanimous vote by city leaders marks a historic step in increasing youth participation in civic matters.

Newark, New Jersey, has become the first city in the state to lower the voting age to 16 for school board elections, following a unanimous vote by city leaders.
The ordinance was sponsored by council president LaMonica McIver, who was inspired to engage in civics as a 16-year-old by her fifth-grade teacher, now the mayor of Newark.
The decision comes after New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy recently signed to allow 17-year-olds to vote in primary elections if they are registered and turning 18 by the general election, starting in 2026.
The new ordinance is seen as a major step in a nationwide campaign to reinvigorate civics education, encourage greater participation in the democratic process and boost lagging voter turnout.
Despite some concerns about the implications of lowering the voting age, council leaders agreed that city students should have a say in school board elections, which directly affect their day-to-day education.