Contact: Megan VandenBos, 213-241-6388
LOS ANGELES, March 10, 2026 – The Los Angeles Unified Board of Education unanimously supported expanding voting to 16 and 17 year olds in local elections, a move currently being considered by Los Angeles Charter Reform Commission. The resolution, authored by Board Member Gonez, called on the City of Los Angeles to include the provision in expected changes it will place before voters in an upcoming ballot measure. Student Board Member Jerry Yang cosponsored the resolution as well as Board Members Nick Melvoin, Tanya Ortiz Franklin, Karla Griego, Sherlett Newbill and Vice President Rocío Rivas.
“In this current political moment, it is more important than ever that we empower our young leaders to use their voices at the ballot box to defend their communities and their values,” said Board Member Gonez. “Students are uniquely positioned to identify what is and isn't working in our schools; they are not just observers of our policies, but the very people who live them every day. Their input in our local elections would help make for more responsive and representative local leaders.”
“Our schools play a critical role in preparing students for active participation in civic life,” Acting Superintendent Andrés E. Chait said. “By strengthening civic learning and awareness around voting, we help students understand the power of their voices and the responsibilities that come with citizenship. Through voting our students can shape the future of our communities.”
“Every election is an important civics lesson that students should be actively participating in,” said Student Board Member Jerry Yang. “There is no better teacher than experience, so getting students out into the polls as soon as possible will encourage and build positive habits for years into the future, creating a more informed populace. All of the students of LA Unified are on the ground every day seeing the effectiveness of our programs, and are more ready than ever to be politically engaged. They are already protesting, coming to public comment, and wanting to make a change, and it is crucial to provide them with this opportunity to be heard, recognized, and empowered to make a difference.”
“Supporting the expansion of voting rights to 16-year-olds recognizes that young people have a meaningful stake in the decisions that shape their schools and neighborhoods,” said Board Member Sherlett Newbill. “It is an investment in civic engagement, leadership, and the future of our communities.”
“Our students are not just the leaders of tomorrow — they are leaders today,” said Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas. “Supporting youth voting ensures young people understand their power and see themselves as active participants in shaping the future of their communities.”
“Our students are already organizing, speaking out, and engaging in their communities, and they deserve a voice in choosing the leaders who shape their education,” said Board Member Nick Melvoin. “I’m proud to co-sponsor this resolution and hope we can continue working to give students more power in our democracy and decision-making.”
“Our students deserve to help shape the education system that shapes them,” said Board Member Karla Griego. “Allowing students to be civic participants at a young age helps instill a lifelong commitment to our democratic process. While voting is an important pathway to civic engagement, we must also encourage students to organize alongside others and advocate for themselves and their communities.
“Our students’ voices matter, and teaching them about voting and advocacy empowers them to create meaningful change,” said Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin. “I am proud to support this resolution, in which our district will advocate to fully support our youth to vote in local elections. It is our responsibility to ensure students can exercise their civic duty, share their perspectives, and play an active role in shaping their communities.”
# # #