In the bustling cities of Berkeley and Oakland, a groundbreaking initiative is taking shape as 16- and 17-year-olds gear up to cast their ballots in the upcoming local school board elections this November. Amidst the fervor of the impending presidential election, a new wave of voters is emerging, poised to make their voices heard on a local level.
The pathway for this historic moment was paved years ago with the approval of Measure Y in Berkeley in 2016 and Measure QQ in Oakland in 2020, both of which granted young constituents the right to participate in the democratic process by voting in school board races. Following the ratification of these measures, dedicated community advocates such as Oakland Kids First have tirelessly championed the cause, leading to the establishment of a system by the Alameda County Registrar of Voters to register 16- and 17-year-old voters.
Empowering Student Voices
The stage was set for a momentous occasion at the school board candidate forum held on October 22 at Fremont High School in Oakland. A diverse gathering of students, teachers, administrators, organizers, and school board candidates from the Oakland Unified School District converged to engage in lively discussions, register voters, and delve into the intricacies of the local school board contests. The forum, organized by Oakland Youth Vote, provided a platform for candidates from districts 1, 3, 5, and 7 to introduce themselves, outline their priorities, and present their platforms in a dynamic format moderated by students from Fremont High School.
As the event unfolded, the student moderators and administrators took center stage, shedding light on the significance of voting as a means to amplify student voices. Drawing inspiration from the relentless efforts of community organizations like the Oakland Youth Commission and Californians for Justice, the moderators emphasized the transformative power of each vote in shaping a future aligned with the aspirations of young people. “Your vote has the power to bring us closer to your vision and make your dream a reality,” remarked a student moderator, underscoring the hard-fought battle that culminated in the enfranchisement of young voters.
A Call to Action
At the heart of the forum were the pressing concerns of Oakland students, ranging from access to health and wellness to the importance of community-centered schools and essential life skills. These poignant issues, gleaned from over 1,400 student survey forms collected district-wide, underscored the urgent need for equitable resource distribution, holistic mental health and wellness support, school safety measures, and addressing budget deficits within the educational landscape.
Two prominent members of the All City Council, Ariana Astorga Vega and Amina Tongun, lent their voices to the chorus of advocacy, highlighting the transformative potential of youth voting rights in shaping the educational landscape. Despite being unable to cast their own votes due to age restrictions, their unwavering commitment to amplifying student voices and championing youth empowerment underscored the profound impact of civic engagement on the fabric of society.
As the forum came to a close, Maya Rapier, an organizer with Oakland Kids First, reflected on the collective efforts that led to the registration of over 1,000 student voters in the district. Rooted in a deep sense of community and a shared commitment to social change, Rapier’s words resonated with a sense of hope and possibility for a brighter future ahead.
Through the tireless efforts of dedicated individuals like Rapier, Fremont High School Principal Nidya Baez, and a host of student leaders and educators, the seeds of change are being sown in the fertile soil of Oakland and Berkeley. As the youth vote continues to gain momentum and forge new pathways for civic engagement, the legacy of this transformative moment will endure as a beacon of hope for generations to come.
