Empowering Future Voters: Youth Voting Initiative for School Board Elections

For the first time, 16- and 17-year-olds in Berkeley and Oakland can vote in the 2024 school board elections!

A Message from the Alameda County Registrar of Votersacvote youth logo

We are excited to announce that 16- and 17-year-olds in Berkeley and Oakland can participate in the 2024 School Board Elections. This historic opportunity is the result of Measure Y1 in Berkeley (approved in 2016) and Measure QQ in Oakland (approved in 2020). As part of our ongoing commitment to voter engagement and education, the Alameda County Registrar of Voters is here to support youth voters in understanding the process and ensuring their votes count.

Every eligible pre-registered youth voter will receive a Vote by Mail Ballot before the election, which can be returned by mail, at a 24-hour ballot drop box, or in-person at our office and any voter center.

 

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When you turn 18

Your voter registration will automatically become active on your 18th birthday. You will no longer be a pre-registered youth voter and will be eligible to vote on federal, statewide and local contest. 

 

How Berkeley Youth Voters Can Participate in School Board Elections

Berkeley Youth Voting Logo

Berkeley youth voters will have the chance to vote for school directors. Depending on the specific election, you may vote for two or more candidates. Be sure to carefully fill in the oval next to your chosen candidates.

Important Voting Instructions:

  • Use black or blue ink only.
  • Avoid using red ink or any other color.
  • Be sure to fully fill in the oval next to your selected candidates.
  • If you make a mistake, you can request a new ballot.
  • Write-in candidates must be officially qualified. You can check the list of qualified candidates at the November 5, 2024 General Election page.

Ballot Return Options:

  • Return your ballot by mail (no postage necessary, must be postmarked by November 5, 2024).
  • Drop it off at any 24-hour ballot drop box in Alameda County.
  • For a list of drop box locations, visit the Drop Box page or call 1-800-834-6454.

 

How Oakland Youth Voters Can Participate in School Board Elections

Oakland Youth Voting Logo

Oakland school board elections use Ranked-Choice Voting (RCV), which allows you to rank up to five candidates in order of preference. If no candidate wins a majority of first-choice votes, votes for eliminated candidates will be transferred to the second-choice candidates, and so on.

Important Voting Instructions:

  • Rank up to five candidates in order of preference.
  • Use black or blue ink only.
  • Avoid using red ink or any other color.
  • Be sure to fully fill in the oval next to your selected candidate.
  • Do not fill in more than one oval in the same column or row. Doing so will invalidate your vote.
  • If you make a mistake, you can request a new ballot.
  • Write-in candidates must be officially qualified. You can check the list of qualified candidates at the November 5, 2024 General Election page.

Ballot Return Options:

  • Return your ballot by mail (no postage necessary, postmarked by November 5, 2024).
  • Drop it off at any 24-hour ballot drop box in Alameda County.
  • For a list of drop box locations, visit the Drop Box page or call 1-800-834-6454.

 

A Guide to Registering and Voting in the 2024 School Board Election

Step 1: Register to Vote:

Every eligible 16- and 17-year-old in Berkeley and Oakland who pre-registers will automatically receive a Vote by Mail Ballot. You can check your voter registration status by logging into your Voter Profile or by contacting our office by calling 1-800-834-6454.

Step 2: Preparing to Vote:

We encourage you to review your Voter Information Guide, research the candidates, and understand your ballot. You’ll find information on candidates and issues in the guide, and you can learn more about Oakland’s Ranked-Choice Voting system if applicable.

Step 3: Voting Methods:

You have three options for casting your vote:

Vote by Mail: Ensure your ballot is postmarked by November 5, 2024, and received by our office by November 12, 2024.

24-Hour Drop Boxes: Open county-wide from October 7, 2024, until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

In-Person Voting: You can vote early at the Alameda County Registrar’s Office starting October 7, 2024, and continuing through Election Day.

 

Track Your Ballot:

Alameda County offers a "Where’s My Ballot?" tracking tool so you can check the status of your Vote by Mail Ballot by logging into your Voter Profile.

 

Missed the Registration Deadline? You Can Still Vote!

If you didn’t register before the deadline, you can still register and vote on the same day at the Alameda County Registrar of Voters' Office. This is called conditional voter registration, and it ensures that your vote will be counted once your registration is verified.

 

Accessibility:

We provide a variety of accessibility services, including:

Remote Accessible Vote By Mail (RAVBM): Voters with disabilities can mark their ballots online using assistive devices and print the completed ballot to return by mail. Access your RAVBM Ballot by logging into your Voter Profile.

Ballot Marking Devices (BMDs): Available at in-person at the Registrar of Voters' Office, these devices support voters with visual, auditory, or motor skill limitations.

Curbside Voting: Available for voters with mobility challenges at the Registrar’s Office.

 

Resources for First-Time Voters

List of Resources:

California Online Voter Registration

Register to Vote