Measure YV Information

Measure YV – Vote 16 Culver City – the complete text

Shall the measure amending the City of Culver City Charter to allow Culver City residents aged 16 and 17, who are otherwise eligible to vote under state and local law, to vote on City and School District candidates and ballot measures, provided that each legislative body has approved budgetary funds and determined logistical systems are in place, and that inclusion would not prevent consolidation of City or School District elections with county elections, be adopted?

Argument in Favor of Measure YV (CulverCity.org)

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF BALLOT MEASURE YV

ARGUMENT TO LOWER THE CULVER CITY VOTING AGE TO 16

Measure YV is an investment in Culver City's future, strengthening local democracy by welcoming 16- and 17-year-olds into the civic process. Young people don't have to wait until 18 before local government begins shaping their lives. Decisions by the Mayor, City Council, and School Board affect their schools, parks, transportation, public safety, recreation programs, and future opportunities.

Every day, Culver City's 16- and 17-year-olds contribute to the community by working, paying taxes, driving, volunteering, leading student organizations, and serving as active neighbors. They have demonstrated the responsibility to participate in decisions that directly affect them. A YES vote on Measure YV gives them a voice in local elections where they already have a meaningful stake.

This proposal is not new to Culver City voters. In 2022, the same idea appeared on the ballot as Measure VY and fell just 16 votes short of passage—the narrowest margin of any contest on the county's ballot that year. It also received more votes than the highest vote getting City Council candidate, demonstrating broad community engagement with the issue.

Measure YV builds on a growing movement. Communities across California and the nation have expanded local voting rights to 16- and 17-year-olds, with encouraging results. Research shows that people who vote when they first become eligible are more likely to remain engaged throughout their lives. 16- and 17-year-olds are especially well positioned to cast their first ballot while supported by their families, schools, and community. Communities that have adopted Vote16 have reported strong youth turnout, increased civic knowledge, and deeper connections between young people and local government.

A YES vote on Measure YV is about more than one election. It prepares the next generation of informed voters, strengthens local democracy, and ensures more residents with a stake in Culver City's future have the opportunity to help shape it for generations to come.

Unofficial Rebuttal to Argument in Favor of Measure YV

Every generation wants young people to become active, informed citizens. We should encourage civic participation, volunteerism, and community service. But voting is different. It is one of the most important responsibilities of citizenship, and the current voting age of 18 remains the right standard.

Supporters of Measure YV point to research showing that many 16-year-olds possess adult-level reasoning ability in calm, structured situations. However, the same research reaches a second important conclusion: the ability to resist peer pressure and make independent decisions in socially charged situations typically does not reach adult levels until after age 18. Responsible voting requires both.

Just a few hundred votes separate winning and losing candidates and measures in Culver City elections. Adding over 1,000 16- and 17-year-old voters will instantly make them the deciding voting block for any candidate or issue. Passage of Measure YV will motivate advocates and politicians to directly contact your children to win over their support.

Supporters argue that 16-year-olds who work and pay taxes deserve a vote. But Culver City elections involve local property and business taxes. This measure has nothing to do with State and Federal taxes that teens pay. Measure YV would allow teenagers to vote on measures that will increase your taxes and allowed pass-thru increases to your rent without having to face the consequences.

We can support our young people, listen to their voices, and expand opportunities for civic engagement without lowering the voting age.

Please Vote NO on Measure YV.

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