According to the sponsors of Newark’s ordinance, 16 and 17-year-olds are already entrusted with driving, paying taxes and working. They are also allowed to make financial contributions to a political campaign, volunteer in political campaigns, serve as poll workers, write letters to officials and attend political rallies.
In 2023, the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice released a report that pushed to lower the voting age statewide – for all elections.
Several high school and college students in New Jersey spoke to the NJISJ as part of its study, urging their fellow Garden State residents to take up the call.