About Vote16 Hawai'i
Aloha! We are Vote16HI, a coalition of youth, adult allies, and organizations that support lowering the voting age to 16 in Hawai'i. In 2019, Senate Bill 4 was introduced that would lower the voting age from 18 to 16 for state and local elections. Though the bill died in the House, it passed the Senate with a two-thirds majority, indicating that our movement is gaining traction. We are still keeping up our efforts to have a similar bill pass in the future. Since then, we have been reaching out to legislators and community members to continue the effort to lower the voting age.
"History has always been shaped by the power of the youth"
Daisaku Ikeda
Our Mission
To create a space where youth can have a voice in the governmental processes that affect them the most.
Our Vision
To build a generation committed to strengthening our democracy.
Our Supporters
Senator
Stanley Chang
“16 year olds can drive, work, pay taxes, and marry, but by law they are prohibited from formal participation in the policy making process. Let’s end this blatant age discrimination. Let’s give 16 and 17 year olds the right to take part in our government, just like 18 and 19 year olds.”
Representative Amy Perruso
“Lowering the voting age to 16 is the most important step we can take to bring young people more fully and authentically into our democracy. We need them.”
DESIGN
Representative Adrian Tam
“16 and 17-year-olds have proven to be civically engaged citizens who deserve the right to vote”
Senator
Karl Rhodes
"If you don’t get them young, they don’t end up voting. Democracy doesn’t work if people don’t vote."
Representative Jackson Sayama
"Faced with growing political, social, and environmental challenges, younger generations have taken initiative to lead on these issues and speak truth to power. Hawai'i must acknowledge that younger generations have a greater stake in the political process and must not deny them of their right to vote. Their ability to lead political movements, consider long-term consequences, and offer modern, innovative solutions would only strengthen Hawaii's democratic process. We always push younger generations to take responsibility and be engaged. Giving sixteen-year-olds the right to vote would actually give them a chance to do just that. "
Thank You!
American Association of University Women of Hawai'i
Generation Citizen
Helu Kanaka
National Youth Rights Association
Our Revolution Hawai'i
Project ID Action Fund
Sierra Club O'ahu
Surfrider O'ahu
Vote16USA
Young Progressives Demanding Action
350 Hawai'i