Young people’s declining participation in the political process should concern all of us. That is why I am working with Oregon Secretary of State Bill Bradbury to help pass House Joint Resolution 16. This constitutional amendment would allow 18-, 19- and 20-year-old Oregonians to run for the state Legislature.
Young people are underrepresented among voters. Thirty percent of the voting-age population in the United States is between the ages of 18 and 34. Yet only 20 percent of registered voters fall into this age group, and only six percent of votes in the 1998 primary were cast by 18- to 34-year-olds. However, in the 18 states where 18-year-olds can be candidates, there was a 5 percent higher turnout in the 1996 election among 18- to 24-year-olds than in the non-18-year-old states in the 1996 election.
This session, the Oregon Legislature has a unique opportunity to strengthen the movement to bring young people into politics by passing HJR 16. If passed, it would refer to the voters an amendment to the Oregon Constitution lowering the age requirement for service in the Legislature to 18.
At age 18, citizens can serve in the military and make fundamental political decisions by voting. From Portland to Grants Pass, Coos Bay to Pendleton, 18-, 19- and 20-year-olds can run for school boards and city councils. Yet unlike the District of Columbia and 17 other states that allow 18-year-old legislators, young people in Oregon are prevented from serving as representatives and senators in Salem. At age 18, Oregonians can run for state treasurer, secretary of state or attorney general. Why can’t they run for the state House or Senate?
Some may question whether those under 21 have the life experience necessary to serve in the Legislature. Age alone isn’t indicative of ability to handle responsibility, and contemporary politics offers many examples of leaders with years of “life experience” performing irresponsibly. There are at least 20 legislators currently serving across the United States who are under 21. Far from being overwhelmed and inexperienced, these accomplished young people work on complicated legislation, serve on numerous committees and stay abreast of issues affecting their constituents. They also bring a unique perspective that is appreciated by their fellow representatives.
It is important to remember that the proposed amendment doesn’t mean the Legislature will be overrun with 18-year-olds — just like it isn’t full of 21-year-olds right now. Rather, it means that Oregonians under 21 can legally run for office, and voters can decide which candidate is most qualified.
I know of no “magic bullet” for addressing political apathy in youth. The national “Rock the Vote” campaign and work by the Oregon Student Association to increase youth voting are familiar and successful efforts. But a younger person running for the Legislature powerfully illustrates that young people are important to the political process. An 18-, 19- or 20-year-old candidate understands youth issues, and this will encourage younger people to vote.
Will the passage of HJR 16 solve all the problems of political disinterest among younger citizens? Certainly not. But will it help engage younger Oregonians, who often feel alienated from politics? Without a doubt.