Above are quick links to guide your registering and voting process.
Continue to scroll to learn more about the upcoming election, and ways to be civically engaged year-round!
The deadline to register to vote before the June 2nd election is Tuesday, May 19th!
THE ISSUE
47%
According to research by Tufts University, only 47% of registered youth voted in the 2024 election. To make matters worse, youth in San Diego County already make up one of the smallest segments of registered voters, above only voters 85+ years old. Our success counts on our ability to shape our own future, and voting is one essential part of wielding that power.
Over 30% of voters who do submit a ballot leave much of it blank. Though races at the top of the ballot get the most attention, it is the options down the page that make the biggest impact on your everyday life. Though the federal government and governors' certainly have power, it is often local representatives, propositions, initiatives, and measures that decide your future.
THE SOLUTION
We must vote and we must stay engaged year-round. Our future is at stake, and we can't afford not to utilize all the tools we have at our disposal. Voting can be difficult, but there are ways to make it easier and ensure you are choosing people and policies that work for you.
Down-ballot voting means voting on local candidates, propositions, measures, initiatives, and other races that aren't always top of mind when it comes to elections.
Your local officials (state assemblymembers and senators, county supervisors, sheriff, city councilmembers, mayor, city attorney, etc.) decide your everyday circumstances. They decide how to utilize local budgets and whether or not state, county, and municipal tax dollars will be used to close gaps created by federal cuts or go towards police, surveillance, and benefits for corporations. They decide whether or not to enter contracts with surveillance tech or private parking agencies, how and where housing can be built and used, and much more.
Down ballot voting also includes decisions on local tax revenue, like this June's Measure A, determining whether or not owners of homes that sit completely empty for more than half the year will be taxed to create new revenue for essential programs. In November, there will be an initiative determining whether or not you will need to provide ID before you vote in the next election. Critical decisions impacting your ability to afford and access housing, healthcare, groceries, and basic needs are made everyday. Registering to vote, and completing your ballot in June is one essential part of being civically engaged in your community.
ENGAGE WITH
YOUR COMMUNITY
Reach out to our team about joining us to canvass your neighbors ahead of the June 2nd election.
You don't have to vote alone, bring your ballot and your questions for a nonpartisan voting party!
Register for the upcoming citywide Youth Summit hosted by the Office of Child and Youth Success. Tickets are free, and the day will be filled with workshops, activities, and opportunities to tap into civic action happening in your community.
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Join us at our next Policy Over... event where we will discuss a tenant protections ordinance being considered in San Diego.
Fill out the form above to join our Civic Youth Action Network and volunteer with us.