Youth at the Ballot Box: New Jersey Teens Make History by Voting in Newark School Board Elections
For the first time in state history, teenagers in New Jersey have officially stepped into the voting booth. In a groundbreaking moment for civic participation, 16- and 17-year-olds in Newark cast ballots in the city’s school board election, marking a significant milestone for youth engagement and democratic inclusion.
This historic vote, held earlier this month, represents more than just a policy change—it’s a cultural shift. Empowering young people with a voice in decisions that directly impact their education and community sends a strong message: the future isn’t just coming, it’s already here.
Breaking New Ground in Newark
The initiative, unique to Newark for now, was made possible through local advocacy and legislative support aimed at increasing student involvement in school governance. While federal and statewide elections are still limited to those 18 and older, Newark’s school board races have now opened the door to the voices of high school juniors and seniors who live with the daily realities of the school system.
For many teens, this was their first taste of democracy in action. And with issues like curriculum design, school safety, funding, and teacher retention on the line, the stakes were personal.
“This is about giving students a say in what happens in their schools,” said a Newark voter who cast her first-ever ballot at just 16 years old. “We’re the ones in the classrooms every day—of course our opinions should count.”
A New Model for Youth Civic Engagement
Newark’s move puts New Jersey on the national map as a leader in youth inclusion at the polls. While a few other cities across the U.S.—including Takoma Park and Hyattsville in Maryland—have experimented with lowering the voting age for local races, New Jersey becomes one of the few states to see such a change implemented in a major urban district.
The effort has been hailed by educators, civic groups, and voting rights organizations as a powerful step forward. Supporters argue that early exposure to voting builds lifelong civic habits and strengthens democratic participation across generations.
More Than Symbolic: A Vote That Matters
Some critics had questioned whether teens would actually turn out if given the chance. Newark’s response? A solid and enthusiastic yes. While full turnout numbers are still being analyzed, early reports show a noticeable turnout among eligible teens—many of whom were educated on their voting rights through schools and community programs.
City officials and advocates are now watching closely to assess the impact of teen voting on future elections and community involvement. There’s growing momentum to explore similar programs in other parts of New Jersey, especially in districts where student voices have long been at the forefront of educational debates.
What Comes Next?
The Newark pilot program could serve as a blueprint for school districts across the state—and perhaps even the nation. Advocates are calling for expanded voter education programs in high schools, streamlined registration processes, and continued outreach to ensure that young people not only can vote, but feel confident doing so.
It’s a new era for New Jersey’s civic life, and it started with a pen mark on a ballot—and a new generation saying: “We’re ready.”
For more information on youth voting rights, local election updates, and how to get involved in your school board elections, visit nj.gov/state/elections or contact your local board of elections. For more information abpout youth in Politics, click here.
