Last year, identical bills in the New Jersey State Senate and Assembly were introduced that, if passed, would permit 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in local school board elections. The Senate bill was referred to the State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee, while the Assembly bill was referred to the State and Local Government Committee. That was in May of 2024, and they have been awaiting certification ever since.
The bills appear to have support at the highest levels of state government. Last October, Governor Phil Murphy expressed his support for this change.
“Local school board elections directly impact the day-to-day lives of 16 and 17-year-old students, and we have the opportunity to instill in them the lifelong value of voting,” Governor Murphy said. “Casting your ballot is a simple and effective way to help shape the future. I look forward to the day this bill lands on my desk.”
We agree with the governor that letting upperclassmen have the right to choose who represents their interests at school would be beneficial to everyone involved. Who better to know what is needed within a school district than its current students, most of whom have likely spent the past decade within it?
And, while we have no doubt that Board members operate with the best interests of students in mind, it would be great to see candidates connect with students and listen to their individual concerns when seeking a Board seat.
We hope to see these bills advance and land on the governor’s desk in time for the next round of school board elections this fall. It is time for these students to have a stake in the process.
