Arguments
Improves Civic Education & Engagement
Lowering the voting age to 16 gives young adults the opportunity to become more civically engaged in their communities, makes their civics classes more relevant and pushes schools to improve civics education — a push Vote16 plans to capitalize on to ensure PAUSD civics education includes more information regarding local issues and elections.
Stake in the Game
Students in Palo Alto are just as affected by decisions made by the City Council as other community members, from the budget of city services and teen services to transportation infrastructure to environmental policies and the overall goals for our city’s future. Furthermore, high school students have the benefit of a different perspective on how Palo Alto’s operations are impacting young people, however, we lack the political power to hold elected officials accountable and ensure that our voices are heard.