Berkeley City Council Special Meeting Summary 🏛️

Meeting Overview

The Berkeley City Council held a special meeting on July 9, 2024, to discuss and vote on a single agenda item: adopting an ordinance and resolution to allow youth voting for persons aged 16 and 17 in school board elections. Mayor Jesse Arreguin chaired the meeting, with notable absences from Councilmembers Rashi Kesarwani (District 1), Terry Taplin (District 2), and Ben Bartlett (District 3).

Youth Voting Ordinance and Resolution 📜

Mr. Harvey from the city staff presented the agenda item, explaining that the ordinance and resolution would enable 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in the upcoming November 2024 school board elections. This initiative is rooted in Measure Y1, approved by voters in 2016, which amended the city charter to allow the City Council to authorize youth voting in school board elections.

Key points from the presentation included:

• Historical Context: Measure Y1 was approved in 2016 but faced delays due to technical and administrative challenges.
• Current Feasibility: Recent collaborations between Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD), Oakland Unified School District, and Alameda County have resolved these issues.
• Financial Considerations: The ordinance ensures that no city funds will be used for youth voting; costs will be covered by BUSD.
• Voting Accessibility: A vote center will be placed at Berkeley High School to facilitate youth voting.

Council members were enthusiastic about the initiative, emphasizing its importance for youth participation in democracy and potential for increased civic engagement. Key discussion points included:

• Excitement and Support: Council members expressed strong support, acknowledging the long wait since Measure Y1's approval.
• Educational Outreach: Mayor Arreguin and others stressed the importance of educating eligible young voters, suggesting collaboration between BUSD and the county registrar.
• Equity and Accessibility: Ensuring equitable access to voting for all youth, particularly those from marginalized communities, was a top priority.
• Broader Impact: Council members expressed hope that this initiative would lead to further expansions of youth voting rights, potentially including city council and mayoral elections in the future.

The public comment section saw strong support from various speakers, including students, alumni, educators, and community members. Key themes included:

• Empowerment and Representation: Students and alumni emphasized the importance of having a say in school board elections.
• Civic Engagement: Early voting experiences could foster lifelong civic participation.
• Equity Concerns: Ensuring that all youth, regardless of background, have the opportunity to vote was highlighted.

Council members reiterated their support and shared personal anecdotes about the significance of voting. Key points included:

• Historical Significance: Council members acknowledged the long journey to implement youth voting and expressed pride in Berkeley's progressive stance.
• Future Aspirations: There was a shared hope that this initiative would lead to broader voting rights for young people.
• Implementation Details: Questions were raised about ensuring all eligible youth, including those in private schools, are informed and able to participate.

The council unanimously voted to adopt the ordinance and resolution, marking a significant step towards empowering young voters in Berkeley. The meeting concluded with a sense of accomplishment and optimism for the future of youth civic engagement in the city.

• Adoption of Ordinance and Resolution: The council adopted the ordinance and resolution to allow 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in school board elections.
• Next Steps: While the current ordinance does not permit 16 and 17-year-olds to run for school board director, the possibility of extending such rights in the future was acknowledged.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the council's commitment to expanding democratic participation among youth and recognized the efforts of young activists who have been advocating for this change. The successful adoption of the ordinance marks a significant step forward in engaging younger citizens in local governance. 🎉