Conestoga student urges board to back effort to let 16- and 17-year-olds vote in school board elections

During public participation on Nov. 24, Conestoga senior Mia Chow told the board she is part of Vote16PA, a coalition of high school and college students working to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in school board elections in Pennsylvania.

Chow said youths at age 16 can drive, work and pay taxes and therefore should be able to formally participate in decisions that affect their education. She noted that some counties in states such as Vermont, Maryland and California already permit 16-to-17-year-old voting in local elections and said research suggests early voting habits support lifelong civic engagement.

Chow explained Vote16PA’s current work: researching benefits, drafting proposed legislation, beginning communications and coalition-building, and seeking a prime sponsor; she said the group will present to the Chester County Intermediate Unit’s legislative council in January.

President Kantorsick thanked her for engaging on the issue. The board did not take action on the request at the Nov. 24 meeting.