Newark Encourages 16-Year-Olds To Vote In 2025 School Election

NEWARK, NJ — It’s going to be a milestone year for 16-year-olds in Newark.

The City of Newark and the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice will host a Vote16 Town Hall on Saturday, Feb. 1. The goal? To encourage young people ages 16 and 17 to vote in the upcoming school board elections.

Last year, Newark became the first city in New Jersey to lower the voting age to 16 for local school board elections. An estimated 7,000 additional teens in New Jersey's largest city will now be able to cast a ballot for board of education members. Read More: Newark First In NJ To Lower Voting Age To 16 For School Elections

The upcoming town hall will take place at Bethany Baptist Church, 275 West Market Street from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Here’s what to expect, organizers said:

“At the Town Hall, residents will learn how 16- and 17-year-olds are eligible to vote in the upcoming school board election. Superintendent of Newark Public Schools Roger León, City of Newark Chief Education Officer Dr. Sharnee Brown, leaders from the Institute, and other democracy advocates will address the group.”

All attendees, including the youth, will be able to register to vote on-site and receive important voting information, organizers said.

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