“How is this working in the cities in Maryland that actually lowered the voting age?” It’s a question we get all the time. The best answer is that it’s too soon to really tell. The question remains, however, so we’re releasing a report that begins to answer it.

Read the report: Lowering the Voting Age in Takoma Park and Hyattsville, MD: A Case Study

This report looks at how each city lowered its local voting age, analyzes turnout data from the first elections in the country with 16-year-old voting, and discusses early effects on civics education and the political atmosphere in these communities. Takoma Park and Hyattsville are pioneers in their embrace of a new, bold idea to empower youth and improve government on the local level. We hope this report can spur other cities to follow in their footsteps.

We will continue to publish updates in the future as evidence amasses and the effects of 16- and 17-year-old voting become more clear.  

Read the report: Lowering the Voting Age in Takoma Park and Hyattsville, MD: A Case Study