Decisions about schools and the future should include young people. Vote16 Yakima is a ballot measure to let 16- and 17-year-olds vote in school board elections—because those most affected by school board decisions deserve a voice in making them.
Across all parties, Washingtonians want more people participating in elections. Vote16 is part of the solution—expanding who participates strengthens democracy for everyone.
Vote16 Yakima is a citizen initiative to amend the Yakima City Charter, allowing residents aged 16 and 17 to vote in school board elections. It does not apply to city council, county, state, or federal elections.
Yakima residents who are 16 or 17 years old and meet all other voter registration qualifications—U.S. citizen, Yakima resident—would be eligible to register and vote in school board elections.
School board elections only. This measure does not apply to city council, county, state, or federal races. It’s a focused, common-sense expansion for the elections that most directly affect young people.
Washington’s all-mail voting system makes implementation straightforward. Eligible youth would receive ballots at home, just like every other registered voter in the state.
Through the citizen initiative process. Registered Yakima voters sign a petition, and once enough signatures are verified, the measure goes before voters in the November 2026 general election.
Yakima becomes the first city in Washington to lower the voting age for school board elections—creating a model for communities across the state and joining cities nationwide that have done this successfully.
School board decisions directly affect young people every single day—from what they learn, to how safe they feel, to the resources in their classrooms.
Voting is like any habit—the earlier you start, the more natural it becomes. Vote16 is an investment in long-term democratic health.
Many 16- and 17-year-olds work and pay taxes. If they’re old enough to pay their fair share, they’re old enough to have a say. This principle resonates across party lines.
70% of voters across all parties agree that not enough people vote in elections. Vote16 is part of the solution—expanding who participates strengthens elections for everyone.
Washington votes by mail. Here are the dates you need to know.
Start of the 18-day voting period (through Election Day).
Deadline for voter registration or updates (in-person only). Deposit your ballot in an official drop box by 8 p.m.
Start of the 18-day voting period (through Election Day).
Deadline for voter registration or updates (in-person only). Deposit your ballot in an official drop box by 8 p.m.
We believe in transparency and facts. Here are honest answers to the most common concerns.
At 16, you can drive, work, pay taxes, and in some states be tried as an adult. Research confirms 16-year-olds have the cognitive ability for informed civic decisions. Maturity doesn’t magically appear at 18.
In Takoma Park, MD, 16- and 17-year-olds voted at a 44% rate—higher than older voter groups. When given the opportunity, young people show up.
Adults are influenced by their communities too—that’s how democracy works. Research shows young voters develop their own preferences. This same argument was used against women’s suffrage and 18-year-old voting. It didn’t hold then either.
First U.S. city to lower the voting age to 16 in 2013. Youth turnout reached 44%—higher than older voters.
Both approved youth voting for school board elections. Berkeley passed with over 70% support.
Enacted youth voting for school board elections in 2024—the latest U.S. city to join the movement.
Both countries allow voting at 16. In Scotland’s independence referendum, 16- and 17-year-olds turned out at 75%.
Whether you’re a student, parent, educator, or community member—there are ways to get involved right now.
Are you a registered Yakima voter? Your signature helps get Vote16 on the ballot this November.
Help with signature collection, community outreach, canvassing, and voter education across Yakima.
Sign Up to Volunteer →Organizations, businesses, and community leaders—add your name to the growing coalition supporting Vote16.
Youth do the work. Adults support by donating. Every dollar funds youth-led organizing in Yakima.
Share this page with your neighbors, friends, coworkers, and community networks.
Stay updated on campaign progress, events, and how you can help as we approach November.
Questions? Want to get involved?
Contact Us →Whether you can give an hour a week or a day a month, your time makes a difference. Sign up below and we’ll be in touch with next steps.
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