BOULDER -- A nationwide movement is making its way to Colorado, specifically to the city of Boulder. A local group of students are campaigning to lower the age of voting in municipal elections from 18 years of age to 16.
Eighteen-year-old Boulder high school senior Leo Greer is just old enough to vote, but he wants his fellow 16-year-old classmates to have a say when it comes to local elections.
“A lot of the local policies affect 16-18 demographics, maybe even more than other demographics,” said Greer.
Greer is part of a nationwide movement called Vote16USA. The movement is campaigning for cities to lower the voting age to 16.
So far, the cities of Takoma Park and Hyattsville in Maryland are among the first to allow 16 year olds the right to vote.
“Studies have shown voting is habitual. If you vote in one election, you are 50 percent more likely to vote in the next election,” said Greer.
Greer says most local policies in Boulder, like sugary drink and bag taxes, impact 16 year olds.
“At 16, students are beginning to work and pay taxes,” he said.