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Youth
Voices

Real

Empowering 16 & 17 year-olds to lead, vote, and create lasting change.

Change

Our Mission & Vision

Making Democracy
Accessible For All

Vote16USA’s mission is to support youth-led campaigns to extend voting rights to 16 & 17 year olds in local, state and federal elections.

Since its founding in 2015, Vote16USA has championed resilience and innovation, ensuring every youth-led campaign reflects a deep commitment to community empowerment and democratic participation. We’ve become a trusted ally for youth seeking meaningful engagement with their government.

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Young Voices At The Ballot Box

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Empowering your community

What We Do

Advocate For Change

We work to change legislation and policies to lower the voting age to 16.

Mobilize Youth Voters

We engage and empower young people to exercise their right to vote.

Educate The Public

We provide resources and information to raise awareness about the importance of youth voting rights.

Our Impact

Testimonials

"Allowing 16 & 17 year olds to vote empowers a generation that is already actively shaping our communities and futures. Their voices deserve to be heard at the ballot box, reflecting their commitment to the issues that will impact their lives for years to come."
LaJuan Allen

Executive Director of Vote16USA

“Voting is a lifelong habit. And studies show that, if a person votes in one election — they are more likely to turn out in the next election. So, encouraging our young neighbors to engage with democracy, is really about encouraging them to become lifelong voters.”
Phil Murphy

New Jersey Governor

“This will ensure that my voice and the voices of my fellow Newark students are not only acknowledged but also valued in decisions that directly influence the education we receive and our future.”
Breanna Campbell

16-year-old Newark student and Vote16 advocate.

“Lowering the voting age to 16, in countries that have adopted this electoral reform, has increased turnout in these countries above what it would have been in the absence of the reform.”
Mark N. Franklin

in Lowering the Voting Age to 16: Lessons from Real Experiences Worldwide

“Our young people are at the forefront of some of the most existential crises facing our communities and our society at large. I believe that those who will inherit the nation we design here in Congress, by virtue of our policies and authority, should have a say in who represents them.”
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley
“Lowering the voting age to 16 is not just a step towards inclusivity but a crucial investment in the future of our democracy. By enfranchising young people, we amplify diverse perspectives, encourage lifelong civic engagement, and ensure that the issues impacting the next generation are addressed with urgency and insight.”
Vanessa Li

Maryland

“Allowing 16 and 17 year olds to vote acknowledges their stake in our collective future and harnesses their energy and passion for societal change. By including their voices in the electoral process, we strengthen our democracy and pave the way for more informed, engaged and empowered citizens”
Nilani Maheswaran

Oregon

“We'll not only strengthen our democracy through increasing voter turnout, but we'll also create a more responsible and informed voter base by introducing the responsibility at a time in life where most youth have greater support from the teachers, parents, and mentors around them.”
Yenjay Hu

New Jersey

“Vote16USA sheds light on the long term developmental impacts of engaging youth at 16/17 to motivate youth to become civically engaged community members. Vote16USA is making strides in the youth voting rights movement & empowering youth to fight for democracy!”
Adult Ally
“The initiative to allow 16-17 year olds to vote is important to me because it has reinforced how prevalent intersectionality is in our society. Vote16 is for everyone no matter the demographic. It fights for the rights of everyone and most importantly the maintaining of said rights.”
Vote16USA Youth Organizer
“Young people are ready to contribute to our nation's democracy and it's time we include their ideas and input in the process. Their innovative solutions and passion will make a change.”
Adult Ally 
Empowering communities

Driving Change Through Youth Voting Rights

At Vote16USA, we are proud to be at the forefront of the movement to lower the voting age to 16. Our campaign has achieved significant milestones and continues to make progress in empowering young voices in the political process. 

Our mission is to educate the public on the benefits of lowering the voting age to 16, mobilize young people to make their voices heard, and push for legislative change. By empowering youth to vote, we can build a more inclusive and representative democracy.

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Cities have extended voting rights to 16 & 17 year olds.

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Youth Engaged

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State-wide Campaigns

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of surveyed 16- and 17-year-olds said they would vote if given the opportunity.

Powering Local Change

Our voter campaigns have launched across the country, giving young people the tools to champion democracy in their own communities.

Explore The Map
IN THE NEWS

Latest News
& Insights

We believe in the power of youth voices to strengthen democracy and inspire change. Our work highlights innovative ideas and stories that fuel the movement to lower the voting age.

Join us as we share strategies, research, and campaigns in youth civic engagement, helping you navigate and support a more inclusive democracy with confidence.

News

Podcast Episode – Democracy Optimist

April 14, 2026•
News

Vote16USA National Convening Unites Youth Organizers, Advocates at UCLA Luskin

October 1, 2025•