On March 22nd, 2006, The New York City Council held a legislative day where Future Voters lobbied for the bill intro 163 to lower the municipal voting age to 16. Everyone had a blast and Future Voters was promised public hearings for the intro in September of 2006!

Future Voters of America is extremely excited about this development! Future Voters students, staff and supporters, including Councilwoman Gale E. Brewer, all came together for a press conference covered by ABC TV and various other press. The push to lower the voting age will continue in September, so be on the lookout!

MYTH: This legislation would set youth quotas on Community Boards. FACT: This legislation allows youth to be appointed to Community Boards but does not require the appointments of any youth to boards. In fact the legislation, limits the appointment to no more than two youth on each board. 16 and 17 year olds are granted the opportunity to apply for full membership with the understanding that they must go through the standard appointment process. Councilmembers and Borough Presidents may choose to recommend and appoint up to 2 youth through this legislation—but are not mandated to do so.

MYTH: 16 and 17 year olds are too young for the responsibility. FACT: 16 and 17 year old state residents can already obtain a learner’s permit to drive, be tried and charged as adults in criminal matters, obtain a marriage license with parental consent, hold a job and pay taxes. Community Boards are intended to represent an opportunity for citizens of all ages to engage in civic discourse and serve their communities, and to represent a diverse range of perspectives on the issues that come before them.

MYTH: 16 and 17 year olds do not have enough experience or knowledge to deal with complex issues. FACT: It takes hard work and dedication to be a Community Board member, and many boards thrive because of the experience, background and skill of their membership. This is no different for 16 and 17 year olds who bring to the table their own experiences, especially with regard to issues involving schools and youth services in the community.

MYTH: 16 and 17 year olds would just use Community Board membership as a resume builder. FACT: Every candidate for Community Board membership no matter their age should display an interest and commitment to serving the community, not just their own personal goals. The assumption that some people use Community Board membership simply as a resume builder should not prevent 16 and 17 year olds, who have a strong interest in their local government, from applying.

MYTH: Community Board membership would overburden youth’s workload. FACT: Being an active member of a Community Board requires serious dedication, no matter what your age. Under this legislation, 16 and 17 year olds would be permitted to apply for Community Board membership and their ability to contribute would be evaluated, just as other prospective member. Many 16 and 17 year olds are ready, willing, and able to participate as full community board members and the law should not categorically deny them the opportunity to do so. All applicants are expected to have a level of interest and excitement in this unique form of local government!

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Future Voters of America is a multi-cultural, nonpartisan organization incorporated in 1995 as a 501(c)3 non-profit. We propel the youth voice forward by empowering young people to set an informed and responsible political agenda. We reach this goal by developing leadership skills through intensive workshops, introducing youth to city and state elected officials, hosting debates and an annual Youth Congress where young people democratically decide the agenda that Future Voters of America will aim to enact.