Proposition 18
Allow 17-year-olds to vote in primary and special elections if they will be 18 and eligible by the next general election.
Currently, voters must be 18 to participate in any local, state or federal election. This constitutional amendment would also pave the way for 17-year-olds who qualify to vote under this proposition to seek office, because the law says only registered voters can run for elected positions.
Estimated cost: Between $200,000 and $1 million at the county level every two years. Statewide one-time costs are expected to be hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The Legislature, by a two-thirds vote, placed this constitutional amendment on your ballot. It was the sixth time state lawmakers had considered the idea, but the first time it has reached voters.
Nationwide, at least 19 states and Washington D.C. allow 17-year-olds who would be eligible for the next general election to vote early.
Argument For
Young people who are legally allowed to participate in general elections should be able to participate in that full electoral cycle.
Supporters: California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, plus it had majority Democrat support when it started as an amendment in the Assembly
Argument Against
Seventeen year old's are legally children and therefore too young to vote.
Opponents: When it was being considered in the Assembly, the opposition was largely Republican.