Res 0723-2023

Whereas, The New York State Constitution currently sets the minimum voting age for state and local elections at 18; and Whereas, S.2562, introduced by Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and pending in the New York State Senate, and its companion bill A.330 introduced by Assembly Member Robert Carroll, seek to amend the New York State Constitution to lower the voting age to 16 for state and local elections; and Whereas, 16- and 17-year olds bear many of the same responsibilities as adults; and Whereas, 16- and 17-year olds can work and pay taxes; and Whereas, Prosecutors may charge 16- and 17-year olds as adults if they commit a crime; and Whereas, Without the right to vote 16- and 17-year olds lack a voice in government decisions that affect their lives, such as who oversees their schools and how their tax dollars are spent; and Whereas, 16- and 17-year olds have demonstrated readiness for civic engagement through their zealous advocacy for issues that they care about from gun safety to the climate crisis; and Whereas, According to an article in the George Washington Law Review, studies have shown that by the time an individual reaches the age of 16 they have developed the necessary cognitive abilities to engage in the same reasoned decision making necessary for voting as older adults; and Whereas, Studies agree that voting is an acquired habit; and Whereas, When young people begin to vote while still living at home they are more likely to make voting a lifelong habit; and Whereas, In 2019 there were more than 440,000 New York City residents who were between the ages of 15 and 19; and Whereas, Countries and localities that permit 16- and 17-year olds to vote have found high turnout among this age group; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Legislature to pass, and New York State voters to approve, S.2562/A.330, which would amend the State Constitution to lower the voting age for state and local elections to 16. LS #12530 03/15/23 EHC