Proposition 18, a state measure allowing 17-year-olds to vote, is on the ballot. 

Proposition 18 would amend the California constitution, permitting 17-year-olds who would be 18 at the time of the general election to vote in primary, local, and special elections. If Proposition 18 passes, 17-year-olds would also be eligible to run for office.

Supporters of Proposition 18 argue the measure would boost voter turnout in younger citizens, also allowing first-time voters to participate in a full election cycle. Though voters aged 18 to 24 made up 14.5% of eligible voters in the 2020 California primaries, they only made up 6% of the total votes. Proposition 18 could encourage participation in younger voters. 

Those against Proposition 18 argue 17-year-olds don’t have the work or real-life experience needed to vote. Primary elections often decide issues that don’t apply to minors, like tax proposals and debt increases. Minors might vote in favor of these measures without understanding the costs. Also, minors can not serve on juries, make their own medical decisions, or enter a legal contract for the reason that age 18 is set as the age of legal responsibility. People maintain this standard should also apply to voting.

Parents, teachers, and peers could easily influence a 17-year-old’s vote. Science shows that at this age, reasoning and logic skills have not fully developed. A 17-year-old might rely heavily on what they are taught to vote on, instead of thinking through an issue on their own.

Another issue is cost. County costs for additional mailing and processing fees would range from several hundred thousand to a million dollars every two years. There would also be a one-time statewide cost to update California’s voter registration database. Rather than paying for Proposition 18, directing funds to more pressing problems, like COVID-19 relief, would be more appropriate.

Though low voter turnout in young voters is concerning, Proposition 18 is not the solution. Proposition 18 does not address the cause of the problem — a lack of information and civic interest.

A better way to increase voter turnout would be to give first-time voters information on how and where to vote. Strengthening civics education in schools and making information about issues widely accessible would also be effective. Not only this, but 16 and 17-year-olds should be encouraged to pre-register to vote so that they can be automatically added to the voter database when they turn 18. These steps, rather than Proposition 18, will increase voter turnout.

Minors might not be ready to vote, but they should stay informed. They can also be politically involved in many ways— by volunteering on campaigns, advocating for political issues, and contacting public officials, among others.

Allowing 17-year-olds to vote is not the solution to increasing voter turnout. I strongly urge that Proposition 18 not be passed.