Lowering the voting age in Lawrence

Lowering the voting age in Lawrence

Proposal from GLTS School Committee Member-Elect Julio Mejía

Julio Mejia, the youngest and newly elected Member of the Greater Lawrence Technical School Committee, has taken a significant step toward youth civic engagement by submitting and introducing a Home Rule Petition to the Lawrence City Council. This proposal aims to lower the municipal voting age, granting 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote in municipal elections within the city. This petition follows the successful initiatives seen in other Massachusetts cities such as Cambridge, Somerville, and Brookline, which have already implemented similar measures to lower the municipal voting age.

This initiative reflects a commitment to involving younger voices in the local decision-making process. Advocating for increased civic participation among young adults, Mejia’s proposal seeks to empower the next generation by giving them a direct stake in shaping their community’s future.

“As a voice and advocate of our vibrant youth community, I firmly believe in harnessing the perspectives and voices of our younger generation,” stated Julio Mejia. “Lowering the voting age in local elections will not only encourage civic responsibility but also foster a more accountable and diverse political landscape reflective of our entire community. I’ve had the honor to serve Lawrence and I remain committed to continuing that work.”

The Home Rule Petition, if approved, will open doors for 16- and 17-year-olds in Lawrence to actively engage in the democratic process, allowing them to vote on issues that directly impact their quality of life, education, and neighborhoods.

Mejia encourages the Lawrence City Council to consider the importance of amplifying youth representation and urges support for this critical proposal, focused on our city’s potential for increased awareness and engagement.