No one deals with the repercussions of Pennsylvania school board decisions more than students themselves. Students are deeply affected by school board decisions, from funding to curriculum to school-based activities, and even to their own safety. Yet, these students have no say in who gets elected to their own school boards and how the decisions that shape their daily education are made.
 
Pennsylvania students deserve to have a greater voice in how their own school system is run and who runs it. That is why we are introducing legislation to lower the voting age for school board elections to 16 years of age. This measure will help instill the responsibility of participating in our democracy in voters at a younger age. It will also ensure that youth voices are heard in decisions that directly affect their education. Many school districts have student representatives, allowing for the voices of a select few to represent the entire student body. Allowing 16- and 17- year-olds to vote in school board elections would ensure meaningful representation.
 
Allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote is not a new concept. Communities in California, Maryland, Vermont, and New Jersey have already implemented policies to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in their school board elections. Furthermore, data shows that these younger voters consistently turn out at higher rates than 18-20-year-olds. Studies have shown that early access to voting enhances civic engagement and promotes voting habits that follow students into adulthood while supporting increased inclusion of youth perspectives in the government.
 
Please join us in supporting our bill to amend Pennsylvania Elections Code to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in school board elections. We ask that you co-sponsor this legislation and help show the younger members of our communities that their state government is committed to their participation in our democracy.