City and County of San FranciscoProposition G - Majority Approval Required
Shall the City amend the Charter to allow San Francisco residents to vote for local candidates and local ballot measures if they are U.S. citizens, at least 16 years old and registered to vote?
What is this proposal?
Pros & Cons — Unbiased explanation with arguments for and against
The Question
The Situation
Article XVII of the San Francisco charter defines “voter” as an elector who is registered to vote under state law. Applicable state law provides that U.S. citizens and residents of the state who are at least 18 years of age at the time of the next election are eligible to register and vote. In 2016, the Board of Supervisors submitted a Charter amendment to the voters that would have authorized 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in municipal elections. The measure failed to obtain the voters’ approval. In 2020, Board of Supervisors President Norman Yee introduced Proposition G on behalf of the City’s Youth Commission, which advises the Board of Supervisors and the Mayor on policies and laws impacting young people.
The Proposal
Proposition G would allow San Francisco residents to vote on local candidates and local ballot measures if they are U.S. citizens, at least 16 years old, and registered to vote. Local candidates include candidates for City offices, the Board of Education and the Community College Board of Trustees. Proposition G does not allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote for state candidates, state ballot measures or federal candidates.
The amendment could be expected to increase the number of registered voters for municipal elections by up to approximately 1.5% if 16- and 17-year-olds register to vote at the same rate as the general population.
A “YES” Vote Means: If you vote “yes,” you want to amend the Charter to allow San Francisco residents to vote for local candidates and local ballot measures if they are U.S. citizens, at least 16 years old, and registered to vote.
A “NO” Vote Means: If you vote “no,” you do not want to make this change.
Fiscal effect
Controller's statement: sfelections.sfgov.org/sites/default/files/Documents/candidates/2020Nov/Prop%20G%20-%20Youth%20Voting.pdf
Supporters say
◼ Allowing young people to vote at a time when they are engaged with their local communities will establish a life-long habit of voting and increase overall voter turnout.
◼ By including youth in local elections, San Francisco will have a more representative electorate and a fairer electoral system.
◼ 16- and 17-year-olds are as capable as and possess the same level of civic knowledge as adults. They are just as able to make decisions about issues impacting their schools and communities.
◼ Many 16- and 17-year-olds have jobs and pay taxes. They should have the right to vote.
Opponents say
◼ 16- and 17-year-olds lack the maturity and experiences necessary to vote. Some 16- and 17-year olds don’t hold jobs or pay taxes, so may not fully understand the implications of some issues they may be voting on.
◼ 16- and 17-year-olds are not adults under the law. Laws prohibit individuals under age 18 from serving on juries, renting vehicles, and purchasing tobacco or alcohol.
◼ Parents are responsible for the actions and well-being of 16- and 17-year-olds, for example, parental permission is required to join the military or to marry. Why should voting be any different?
◼ Prop G opens the door to having even younger children vote.
Details — Official information
YES vote means
A "YES" Vote Means: If you vote "yes," you want to amend the Charter to allow San Francisco residents to vote for local candidates and local ballot measures if they are U.S. citizens, at least 16 years old and registered to vote.
NO vote means
A "NO" Vote Means: If you vote "no," you do not want to make this change.
Summary
Ballot Simplification Committee
The Way It Is Now: San Francisco residents who are at least 18 years old and United States citizens may vote in San Francisco elections. San Francisco voters may vote for local and state candidates and ballot measures, as well as federal candidates.
The Proposal: Proposition G is a Charter amendment that would allow San Francisco residents to vote for local candidates and local ballot measures if those residents are U.S. citizens, at least 16 years old and registered to vote. Local candidates include candidates for City offices, the Board of Education and the Community College Board of Trustees.
Proposition G would not permit 16- and 17-year-olds to vote for state candidates, state ballot measures or federal candidates.
Financial effect
City Controller Ben Rosenfield
Should the proposed charter amendment be approved by the voters, in my opinion, it would have a minimal impact on the cost of government.
The amendment could be expected to increase the number of registered voters for municipal elections by up to approximately 1.5 percent if 16 and 17 year olds register to vote at the same rate as the general population. The Department of Elections would have some additional costs to produce voter materials. In addition it would have some costs to conduct voter education and outreach efforts for this group of voters. Spread over the four-year election cycle the added expense would represent only a marginal increase in Department of Elections’ costs an annual basis.
Published Arguments — Arguments for and against
Read the proposed legislation
More information
News (2)
Videos (1)
Additional Resources (2)
Who supports or opposes this measure?
Organizations (4)
- SPUR
- San Francisco Bay Guardian
- San Francisco Examiner
- Vote16USA
Organizations (2)
- SF Bike Coalition
- San Francisco Chronicle
