Mercer Times

Governor Phil Murphy visited Hoboken High School to express support for legislation that would allow 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in local school board elections. The bill, S3240/A4369, aims to increase civic engagement among young people by giving them a say in decisions affecting their education.

Murphy was joined by Senator Raj Mukherji and Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker, the first sponsors of the bill. During his visit, he participated in an AP Government and Politics class before addressing students about the importance of voting.

"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," said Governor Murphy. He emphasized that local school board elections have a direct impact on students' lives and expressed hope for the bill's passage.

The proposed legislation follows earlier efforts to expand voting rights for young people in New Jersey. Earlier this year, Murphy signed the "New Voter Empowerment Act," which allows 17-year-olds who will be 18 by the next general election to vote in primary elections.

Supporters of the bill argue it could improve voter turnout in school board elections and instill lifelong voting habits among teenagers. "By enfranchising 16- and 17-year-olds – the voters most directly impacted by local school board decisions – we can address chronically low voter turnout," said Senator Mukherji.

Assemblywoman Tucker added that empowering youth to vote ensures their voices are heard in important decisions. Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez highlighted how involving teens in voting processes enhances their understanding of democracy.

Erik Cruz Morales from the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice supported expanding democracy through such initiatives. Uyen "Winn" Khuong from Action Together New Jersey noted that enabling students to vote could compel candidates to better communicate their platforms.

Organizations like Vote16USA and The Gem Project, Inc., praised Murphy's commitment to youth voting rights. Micauri Vargas from the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice called it a historic step towards making New Jersey more inclusive.

ACLU-NJ Policy Director Sarah Fajardo emphasized that allowing younger individuals to vote strengthens democracy by fostering early civic participation. Rev. Dr. Charles F. Boyer also voiced support, linking it back to civil rights movements led by young activists.

Raisa Rubin-Stankiewicz from March for Our Lives New Jersey remarked on how establishing early voting habits can lead to lifelong voter participation. The NAACP New Jersey State Conference Youth and College Division connected today's efforts with historical struggles for civil rights led by teenagers.

Ahmed Abdellatif, a student representative from Make the Road, stressed that lowering the voting age empowers youth voices and demonstrates their ability to influence change through democratic means.