Culver City election: measure to lower voting age facing defeat

Measure YV, which would have enabled this expansion of voting rights, is trailing with approximately 55% of ballots counted as of Wednesday morning, according to the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder. Roughly 45% of voters support the initiative.

A total of 12,348 ballots have been tallied out of 29,169 registered voters in the city, which is predominantly Democratic.

If the measure had passed, City Clerk Jeremy Bocchino stated that approximately 700 new voters could have been added to the rolls.

The initiative, nicknamed “Vote 16,” would have granted voting rights to U.S. citizens aged 16 and above for city council elections, local ballot measures, and school board elections. However, minors would not have been eligible to vote in county, state, or federal elections.

The Culver City Council placed Measure YV on the ballot, with Mayor Freddy Puza and other leaders publicly advocating for its passage. They argued that young people “contribute to the community by working, paying taxes, driving, volunteering, leading student organizations, and serving as active neighbors.”

While not entirely unique in California, a similar allowance exists in three Bay Area cities for school board elections.

Opponents have criticized the measure, arguing that it could lead to increased property taxes and rent increases, and that it would create a vulnerable voting bloc. One resident expressed concern that it would expose young people to complex issues beyond their understanding, stating, “Kids don’t need to grow up.”