What is Prop 18

The ballot measure would allow 17-year-olds who will be 18 at the time of the next general election to vote in primary elections and special elections.

Opposition

Arguments

• The Election Integrity Project California, Inc. submitted an argument in opposition to the constitutional amendment, which said, "17-year-olds are legal minors. Under that definition, they are still considered children. They are almost all still living at home and under the strong influence of their parents. This is not conducive to independent thought and voting without undue pressure from their immediate superiors... 17-year-olds will almost always still be in high school, and under the strong influence of their teachers. This again makes it less likely that they would be expressing their own, independently thought-out choices were they to be allowed to vote."

What Does Your Vote Mean

Voting yes means that you support this constitutional amendment to allow 17-year-olds who will be 18 at the time of the next general election to vote in primary elections and special elections.

A "no" vote opposes this constitutional amendment, thereby continuing to prohibit 17-year-olds who will be 18 at the time of the next general election to vote in primary elections and special elections.

Supporters

• Asm. Kevin Mullin

Arguments

• The California Association of Student Councils submitted an argument in support of the constitutional amendment, which said, "Young people whose birthdays fall between the primary [and] general election are currently at a disadvantage to those who are permitted to vote in the primaries. Without full exposure to the election process they are unable to submit their most educated vote in the general election. Assembly Constitutional Amendment [four] would ensure that a greater number of citizens voting in the general election have the resources and experience they need to provide the vote that best matches their own values."