About Us
Our Mission
Vote16USA is the next big thing in our democracy, incubated by Generation Citizen. This national initiative is dedicated to lowering the voting age at the local level, launching new campaigns across the country, and raising the profile of this transformative movement nationwide.We oversee policy research, campaign strategy and support, communications, and strategic planning to robustly support the initiative to lower the voting age to 16 in local elections.
Our Mission
Expand voting rights to individuals aged 16 and above, giving them a voice in our democracy.
Our Vision
A future where young people are actively engaged in shaping the political landscape.
Our Background
The Vote16USA campaign was officially launched in December 2015, with the release of our white paper “Young Voices at the Ballot Box: Advancing Efforts to Lower the Voting Age.” This comprehensive report was written after extensive research and interviews with experts and stakeholders. Importantly, it included legal research to show which cities and states are primed to lower the voting age to 16. The paper has since been updated and the third edition was published in 2020. Now, guided by an Advisory Board and a Youth Advisory Board, we aim to help with the coordination of new and current local campaigns around the country while elevating the issue nationally through traditional and social media and by building partnerships with a broad group of stakeholders. This website serves as the central hub for these efforts as we move forward.
Empowering
Our Journey Towards Expanding Voting Rights
Launch of our Campaign
The Vote16USA campaign was officially launched in December 2015, with the release of our white paper “Young Voices at the Ballot Box: Advancing Efforts to Lower the Voting Age.”
Milestone Achievements
In 2020, Vote16USA successfully launched campaigns in multiple states, raising awareness and support. The paper has since been updated and the third edition was published in 2020.
Expanding Our Reach
Vote16USA continues to grow, with new chapters forming across the country.
Driving Change
Through grassroots efforts, Vote16USA is making progress towards achieving voting rights for 16-year-olds.
Empowering
Youth Advisory Board
Nilani Maheswaran
Nilani Maheswaran is a passionate advocate for youth civic engagement from Portland, Oregon. Her work as a co-founder of Vote16Oregon has been a pivotal experience, sparking her deep interest in lowering the voting age and striving for young people to have a voice in local governance. Through this campaign, Nilani has worked towards increasing youth involvement by presenting to elected officials, organizing advocacy campaigns, and engaging with community stakeholders through social media and coalition building. In addition to leading Vote16OR, Nilani serves as the President of Oregon DECA, promoting the professional development of over 1,500 members statewide. She is also the Chair of the City of Beaverton Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board, planning youth summits and providing input on city policies. Furthermore, Nilani aims to increase opportunities for students as a member of the Oregon Department of Education’s CTE Advisory Council and Co-Captain of her school’s debate team. Outside of her roles in advocacy and leadership, Nilani enjoys trying out new brunch spots, going on runs, and singing with her a cappella group. She is thrilled to serve on Vote16USA’s Youth Advisory Board and further her vision of empowering young people through informed voting and civic engagement.
Vanessa Li
Vanessa Li is a Vietnamese-American high school student in the DMV area active in the world of student advocacy, youth leadership, and public policy. She serves as a student representative on the local and state level as the Division 5 Liaison for the Maryland Association of Student Councils, 1st Vice-President of the St. Mary's Association of Student Councils, and as the President of her school's Principal's Advisory Council. She also serves as a leading candidate for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and has raised over $33k for blood cancer research in honor of her family members. In her free time, she enjoys performing and sings in her school's chamber choir and as a music volunteer in her community. Vanessa is honored and excited to advocate for student voting rights as a part of the National Youth Advisory Board for Vote16USA.
Kyle Chen
Kyle Chen, sophomore of Eagan High School, MN, is a student passionate about youth expression and advocacy. He directs his attention to the performance arts and well as involving himself in politics and legislative action.
Yenjay Hu
Yenjay Hu is a New Jersey native and rising freshman at Yale University. He is executive director of Vote16NJ, a student-led advocacy organization dedicated to lowering the voting age to 16 for local NJ elections. Vote16NJ has made significant progress in its advocacy, gaining NJ Governor Murphy's full endorsement and successfully campaigning for Newark, NJ to adopt the policy. Among Yenjay’s varied political experiences, he has also interned for Senator Cory Booker, volunteered for Congressman Tom Malinowski’s 2021 re-election campaign, and worked with the Hoboken Strategy Group.
Anjali Krishnamurti
Anjali Krishnamurti is a sophomore undergraduate at Harvard University studying government. She has been involved in Vote16 since her freshman year of high school, co-founding Vote16NJ and leading the effort to lower the voting age to sixteen in New Jersey local elections. Alongside her co-founder, Yenjay Hu, Anjali helped lead the passage of the ordinance that lowered the voting age to sixteen in Newark School Board elections in January 2024. Anjali and Yenjay were also mentioned in Governor Phil Murphy's 2024 State of the State Address, where the Governor called for statewide legislation to lower the voting age to sixteen in all school board elections in New Jersey. Outside of Vote16NJ, Anjali largely works on a range of political and public policy initiatives, leading a team of undergraduate policy analysts at Harvard, conducting research for organizations such as the Bloomberg Center for Cities, and planning popular speaker events that spark fruitful discussion at Harvard's Institute of Politics. Anjali looks forward to helping grow the movement nationwide and engaging in productive collaborations with other young people across the country who are spearheading other Vote16 initiatives!
XYZ
Carys Gill
Jessie Cai
David Zhu
Hi everyone. My name is David. I live in San Jose, California and currently attend Lynbrook High School as a Junior. I am excited to be serving on Vote16USA’s Youth Advisory Board. Young people are passionate leaders who impact change in their communities, but due to being underrepresented and under informed in civics, more youth are becoming discouraged about participating in our democracy, not feeling like they have a say about the things that impact them the most. I believe in amplifying youth voice and youth activism about the things that matter to them, including voting. This year, I’m hoping to grow the Vote16 movement in my city of San Jose. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my twin brother, playing basketball in the evening, listening to cool podcasts, and going on long walks alone.
Anya Khera
Anya Khera is a high school junior in Wellesley, Massachusetts, involved in local and state efforts to lower the voting age to 16. Anya leads a Vote16 Massachusetts Coalition and is working to progress the movement in her hometown. Her advocacy tactics range from lobbying council members and leading educational sessions to thought leadership, including running a stakeholder podcast, “Voices for Vote16”. She is an elected member of Wellesley’s Town government and has worked for MassDems and Warren for Senate. She is also a member of the Massachusetts MetroWest Athena Council, Young Leaders Learning Community at Tufts CIRCLE, and of the League of Women Voters (Wellesley). She founded and leads a Youth Civics Club and chapter of Amnesty International at her school, and is an active member of Girl Up and Model UN. Outside of school and work, she enjoys fencing, playing violin, and writing poetry.
Empowering
National Advisory Board
Meet Our Team
Get to know the core members driving our mission.
LaJuan Allen
Director of Vote16USA
LaJuan’s Bio “LaJuan Allen began his career as the Community Relations Coordinator for Mayor Jorge O. Elorza in Providence, Rhode...
Faith Vieira
Outreach & Management Support Specialist
Faith Vieira is a dedicated advocate for social justice and equity, bringing over seven years of experience in fostering civic engagement and building vibrant communities with youth. A summa cum laude graduate of Long Island University, she holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration, which has shaped her passion for community empowerment and advocacy. Faith is driven by a firm belief in the transformative potential of youth voices, and she works tirelessly to amplify their influence in shaping a more equitable and inclusive society. Her commitment lies in leading impactful initiatives that challenge systemic inequalities, with a special focus on uplifting marginalized communities. Guided by a vision for sustainable change, Faith seeks to inspire others to take proactive steps toward building a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Vote16USA: Making a Difference in the Future of Democracy
We are proud to have garnered notable endorsements and partnerships, solidifying our commitment to empowering young voices in the political landscape.
Join the movement for change
Discover how you can make a difference and support the Vote16USA initiative.
