2020 California Proposition 18


California Proposition 18 is a ballot measure that will appear on the ballot in the 2020 California elections, for November 3, 2020. If passed, it would allow 17-year-olds to vote in primary and special elections if they will turn 18 by the subsequent general election.
The proposed state constitutional amendment was originally introduced as California Assembly Constitutional Amendment No. 4 by Assemblymember Kevin Mullin. ACA 4 passed the California State Assembly on August 22, 2019, amended and passed by the California State Senate on June 25, 2020, and was re-approved by the California State Assembly on June 26, 2020. After being put on the ballot, ACA 4 was given the ballot designation of Prop 18. Because it is a proposed constitutional amendment, 2020 Proposition 18 must appear as a ballot proposition and be approved by voters.
Proposition 18 is one of two proposed ballot measures in the 2020 California elections that would expand voting rights. The other is Proposition 17, which would allow individuals on parole to vote.

Background

In the last 20 years, California has held primary elections in February, March, and June. Currently, 18 other states and the District of Columbia allow people who are 17 to vote in a primary if they will be 18 by the general election in November. Both of these are proposed amendments to the California Constitution that originated in the California State Assembly.

Support

ACA 4 was supported by California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, Alliance for Boys and Men of Color, California Association of Student Councils, California League of Conservation Voters, California School Boards Association, California YMCA Youth & Government, IGNITE, League of Women Voters of California, Peninsula Young Democrats, and the University of California Student Association.
The official Argument in Favor was submitted by Assemblymember Kevin Mullin and Assemblymember Evan Low.

Opposition

ACA 4 was opposed by Election Integrity Project California, Inc. The official Argument Against was submitted by Ruth Weiss, Co-Founder of the Election Integrity Project California, Jon Coupal, President of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, and Larry Sand, a retired teacher.