As the nation focuses on the presidential elections, two local school board races in Oakland and Berkeley are making history for a different reason. For the first time, young people aged 16 and 17 will be voting in school board elections, a significant step in empowering student voices in decision-making processes.
This initiative emerged from youth organizing efforts that pushed city councils to allow young people to vote in local school board elections. Berkeley approved the change in 2017, followed by Oakland in 2020, making it the largest community in the nation to grant voting rights to 16 and 17-year-olds. Despite initial skepticism about teenagers’ interest in school board politics, attending a recent candidates’ forum organized by students in Oakland changed my perspective.
The forum, attended by 200 students, showcased six out of seven candidates running for the board. Students engaged in a marathon interrogation, wearing T-shirts with slogans like “My Vote Will Make History” and “No decisions about us without us.” Candidates responded to questions projected on a screen, demonstrating a serious commitment to engaging with young voters.
The involvement of young people in school board politics is crucial for several reasons. It encourages early participation in the democratic process, increasing the likelihood of continued engagement in adulthood. Moreover, students have firsthand knowledge of the issues affecting schools, making their votes more informed than those of many older voters.
Edamevoh Ajayi, a senior at Oakland Technical High School, highlighted the disconnect between adult decision-makers and students, emphasizing the need for student voices in district governance. The current crisis facing the district, including declining enrollment and budget deficits, underscores the importance of incorporating student perspectives to address pressing challenges.
Patrice Berry, a former teacher running for the Oakland school board, emphasized the positive impact of student involvement on overall decision-making processes. By including young people in the democratic process, we not only improve governance but also foster a sense of civic engagement from an early age.
In conclusion, empowering student voices through inclusive decision-making in elections is a critical step towards creating a more representative and responsive education system. By allowing young people to participate in school board politics, we not only ensure their voices are heard but also lay the foundation for a more inclusive and democratic society.
