One Vote Away in Anchorage

A measure before the Anchorage, Alaska city assembly that would have given voters the chance to lower the voting age failed by one vote. On Tuesday February 11 the assembly voted seven in favor, and four opposed and as a constitutional amendment it needed eight affirmative votes to be passed to the voters. Despite loosing the vote, campaign leader Corey Rennell said, “Youth will no longer be brushed off as powerless. Even without the franchise we have demonstrated our power and our abilities. The classic negative teen stereotypes has been smashed.” Anchorage voters will still be able to have an informal vote on lowering the voting age this April, however the results will be non-binding. Corey and the Youth Civic Rights Movement intends to press on and has filed a legal case challenging the state’s ban on youth petitioners.