Your Voice. Your Power.
About Us
Vote16USA is the next big thing in our democracy! Vote16USA is dedicated to lowering the voting age at the local, state and federal levels, 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
Our Partners
Our Background & Journey
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.
Takoma Park, Maryland, became the first city in the United States to pass legislation allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in ALL municipal elections. This event is widely regarded as the modern starting point of the Vote16 movement in the U.S.
Vote16USA is founded by Generation Citizen to power the youth-led movement to extend voting rights to 16- and 17-year-olds across the country.
Hyattsville, Maryland lowers the voting age to 16.
Vote16USA launched campaigns across multiple states (CA, MA, NJ, AZ, DC, TX).
Vote16 legislation in San Francisco, California:Proposition F (2016) received 48% support, narrowly failing
Berkeley, California passed Vote16 for school board elections with over 70% of residents approving.
Shelburne, Wendell, and Ashfield, Massachusetts passed Vote16 legislation, asking the state legislature to approve their homerule petition.
Vote16USA published early policy frameworks, including: Young Voices at the Ballot Box white paper.
Greenbelt, Maryland became the fourth city in the United States to pass Vote16 legislation, allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in all municipal elections.
Northampton, Massachusetts passed Vote16 legislation, asking the state legislature to approve its homerule petition.
Riverdale Park, Maryland became fifth city in the United States to pass Vote16 legislation, allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in all municipal elections.
Concord, Brookline and Somerville, Massachusetts passed Vote16 legislation, asking the state legislature to approve its homerule petition.
Oakland, California passed Vote16 for school board elections with over 70% of residents approving.
San Francisco, California's second Vote16 effort reaches 49.2% but fails again
Mount Rainier & Chevy Chase, Maryland, passed Vote16 legislation, allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in all municipal elections.
Boston, Massachusetts passed Vote16 legislation, asking the state legislature to approve its homerule petition.
Somerset, Maryland passed Vote16 legislation, allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in all municipal elections.
Brattleboro, Vermont passed Vote16 legislation, allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in all municipal elections.
Lawrence, Massachusetts passed Vote16 legislation, asking the state legislature to approve its homerule petition.
Cheverly, Maryland passed Vote16 legislation, allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in all municipal elections.
Newark, New Jersey Vote16 for school board elections passes.
Albany, California passed Vote16 legislation, allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in all municipal elections. Albany becomes the first city in the country to pass Vote16 legislation for all municipal elections via a ballot measure.
Medford, Swampscott, Whately, Massachusetts passed Vote16 legislation, asking the state legislature to approve its homerule petition.
College Park & Berwyn Heights, Maryland passed Vote16 legislation, allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in all municipal elections.
Acton, Massachusetts passed Vote16 legislation, asking the state legislature to approve its homerule petition.
The Los Angeles Charter Review recommended to the Los Angeles City Council that voting rights be extended to 16- and 17-year-olds in municipal elections.
Youth Activists in Culver City, California urge the Culver City City Council to put Vote16 on the ballot. City Council approved the measure in a 3-2 vote.
Vote16USA launches campaigns in Nebraska, New York, Texas, Washington State and Pennsylvania.
Be Apart Of The
Movement for Change
Young people are shaping the future of our democracy, and with your support, we can take the next bold step. Vote16USA is fueled by grassroots energy, youth leadership, and communities like yours who believe 16 and 17-year-olds deserve a voice in the decisions that shape their lives. By standing with us, you’re helping to build a more inclusive and representative democracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
From how lowering the voting age works to where it’s already happening, this section covers everything you need to know about Vote16USA and the movement.
General Questions
Legal and Policy Questions
Campaign and Advocacy Questions
