New Jersey city council gives 16 and 17-year-olds right to vote in school board elections

A New Jersey city will now be allowing 16 and 17-year-olds the chance to use their voice in school board elections. 

A city council vote was unanimously approved by Newark City Council on Wednesday allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in upcoming school board elections.

Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka said that he supported the ordinance, saying that "democracy is stronger when more people participate."

"I’m very proud to see Newark take the lead on this issue," Baraka said in a press release. "Democracy is stronger when more people participate, and bringing younger people into the fold, who have so much at stake, is a great idea. Our elections will be energized, and our school boards will benefit."