Youth back bill to lower Oregon’s voting age to 16

(Update: Adding KTVZ.COM Poll; adding that it would require statewide vote on constitutional amendment)

This President’s Day, a record number of Oregonians came to the Capitol, advocating for revenue reform and fully funded education, climate action and gun safety. A significant number of advocates were youth — and many of them and their supporters also want something else: to lower the voting age to 16.

Here’s a news release from the Bus Project about the effort and the bill introduced Monday to amend Oregon’s Constitution and achieve the nation’s first voting age at 16 (the just-introduced legislation has no assigned bill number yet):

Despite not being old enough to vote, these Oregonians know what their communities need, have opinions, and are taking action. Lawmakers and youth advocates came together with the Bus Project to address age as a structural barrier to citizen engagement and introduce a bill to lower the voting age to 16.

“It seems as if in our society today, we are more afraid to see young people with beer, a cigarette, or a ballot? in their hands rather than an assault weapon,” said Natalie Khalil, communications chair of Oregon Youth for Gun Reform and a student at Lake Oswego High School.

“We cannot be sheltered from the fact that our peers in Sandy Hook, in Parkland, in schools throughout the country, are tragically losing their lives. We cannot ignore that Black and Brown people are shot to death by police. Change is on the rise, and young people deserve to form and voice their own opinions, so we can address the disparities our generations are facing.”

Lowering the voting age is a bold idea to strengthen our democracy, the Bus Project release stated. (As a proposed constitutional amendment, lawmakers would have to refer it to a statewide vote, in 2020. Thirteen other states, including Washington, have introduced bills since 2003 to lower the voting age, some for just school board elections and some for all state elections, The AP reports. None have passed. )

We know that when people develop civic habits at a younger age, they’re more likely to stick. Research from this country and others suggests that lowering the voting age can improve voter turnout, spur civic engagement, and encourage effective civic education. Countries around the world have voting ages lower than 18, although none of the states in this country have made the move.

“During my time in high school, I’ve learned about the importance of grassroots organizing. It’s easier for young people to digest information coming from a peer. I work hard in my community to address disparities in sex education and health care coverage. I’m here today advocating for revenue reform and increased funding for our schools,” said Connor Gabor of South Eugene High School.

“Together we’re fighting for a better future. We need to be able to take our work to the ballot and protect the policies we’re working so hard to pass, and we deserve to have a voice,” said Maria “Luly” Torres, a student at South Salem High School.

States are able to lower the voting age, as the federal government only sets the ceiling. Research shows that 16-year-olds have the same level of civic knowledge as 21-year-olds.

“16-year-olds play an important role in our society, and the age has special significance in our culture. 16-year-olds can drive, work up to 44 hours per week in non-hazardous jobs, pay taxes, and be tried for crimes as adults. The legal definition linking adulthood to the age of 18 should not affect voter eligibility,” said Rep. Diego Hernandez, D-Portland.

“I want to live in a state, and a country, where voting and being an active citizen are skills just like any other we teach our students. Where I’m encouraged to think about my role in the political process, and where my opinions and voice are valued beyond just a few political buzzwords during election time,” said Christine Bynum, a student at La Salle High School.

“Lowering the voting age can drive demand for? civics education in schools, and students learn best when the material presented is relevant to their lives. Civics classes fall short when they teach young people how government works without any ability to actually participate it,” Rep. Janelle Bynum, D-Clackamas, said. “Lowering the voting age to 16 ensures that everyone experiences one election while still in school.”

“Lowering the voting age is a reform that can create habitual voters who can increase the youth voter turnout rate and advocate for the interests of youth in elections,” said Rep. Teresa Alonso Leon, D-Woodburn. “When older voters outnumber younger voters, the interests of young people, such as school funding, can be overlooked. As our country’s demographics shift, it is important to increase the turnout of young voters.”

“Our future is dependent on our ability to influence policy as we face catastrophic climate change. If we don’t reduce emissions by 2080, Oregon’s climate will change drastically within the span of one generation,” said Jeremy Clark of Cleveland High School. “The Our Future Our Vote act will ensure that 16 and 17 year olds have a say in who our lawmakers are, and how we approach climate.”

“During the 2018 election cycle, I talked with so many inspiring young people who are active in their communities but can’t vote. As elected representatives of our communities, our role is to open windows and doors to bring in more voices to our political system. The most fundamental piece of our government is the right to vote, and it is time for us to amplify the voices of young people and allow them to vote,” said Sen. Shemia Fagan, D-Portland.

“Oregon is a state of innovation when it comes to election reform, and it makes sense for us to consider the bold proposal of lowering the voting age this session,” said Samantha Gladu, executive director of the Bus Project. “In Oregon, we consistently push the boundary of what is possible and look for creative ways to include as many voices as possible in our democracy. We want all Oregonians to be heard.”