California Allows Teens to Vote in School Elections

As the 2024 election approaches, Vice President Kamala Harris faces challenges in securing the support of young voters and immigrant communities, which have been critical to President Biden's coalition but have grown disillusioned with his immigration policies. In Calaveras County, CA, students are encouraged to engage in the electoral process through a creative 'I Voted' sticker contest aimed at making voting more memorable. Meanwhile, high school student Jessie Cai has actively worked to boost Asian American civic engagement by organizing voter registration drives, successfully registering 186 peers in Maryland. Additionally, Oakland and Berkeley have become the first cities in California to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in school board elections, a move aimed at fostering early civic participation. This initiative reflects a broader effort to engage younger voters, although its impact remains uncertain as many teenagers express ambivalence about political involvement. Overall, these developments illustrate a growing emphasis on youth engagement in the electoral process across different communities.