Governor Murphy highlights legislation allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in local school board elections

NEW JERSEY – During a visit to Hoboken High School, Governor Phil Murphy Tuesday reiterated his support of legislation, S3240/A4369, that would enable 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in their local school board elections.

Joined by the legislation’s first prime sponsors, Senator Raj Mukherji and Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker, the Governor participated in an AP Government and Politics lesson on the foundational documents of the United States of America.

Following the class, the Governor spoke to students about the importance of civic engagement and the power of making one’s voice heard at the polls.

“I am constantly amazed by New Jersey’s remarkable young people, and I believe they deserve the opportunity to meaningfully engage with our democratic system. In New Jersey, we have made it a priority to expand access to the vote by instituting early in-person voting and establishing online voter registration, among other critical reforms, because all eligible voters should have the opportunity to cast their ballots in our elections,” Murphy said. “Local school board elections directly impact the day-to-day lives of 16 and 17-year-old students, and we have the opportunity to instill in them the lifelong value of voting. Casting your ballot is a simple and effective way to help shape the future. I look forward to the day this bill lands on my desk.”

This legislation would build on the Governor’s efforts to enfranchise young people in New Jersey. Earlier this year, Governor Murphy signed the “New Voter Empowerment Act,” allowing any registered voter who is 17 years of age by the time of a primary election to vote in that primary if they turn 18 years old on or before the next general election.

Sponsors of S3240/A4369 include Senators Raj Mukherji and Brian Stack along with Assemblywomen Cleopatra Tucker and Jessica Ramirez.

“By enfranchising 16- and 17-year-olds – the voters most directly impacted by local school board decisions – we can address chronically low voter turnout in school board elections and improve long-term voter participation by instilling the habit in teenagers, while counteracting diminishing civic engagement and levels of trust,” said Senator Raj Mukherji. “Data from the various other U.S. and foreign jurisdictions that have done this shows no harms result, while the benefits are quantifiable.”

“Giving 16 and 17-year-olds the right to vote in school board elections will encourage early civic engagement and empower students to have a direct say in shaping their education,” said Senator Brian Stack. “Student’s perspectives offer us valuable insight and deserve to be a part of the process.”

“Local elections matter and if we could empower our youth to vote in school board elections, we could ensure their voices are heard in decisions that directly affect them,” said Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker. “This bill would be a vital step in guiding them to become mindful and engaged citizens, not just during election seasons, but in their everyday lives.”

“By allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to participate in school board elections, we would foster their civic engagement,” said Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez. “Education is designed to prepare students for real-world experiences; if we could get teens involved in the local voting process, we could make a deep impact in their understanding of how democracy works.”