Newark, NJ — Forty-five 16- and 17-year-olds cast ballots in Newark’s school board election this week, a new development that has intensified debate after a lawmaker claimed the effort cost about $1 million, according to figures cited by Chalkbeat Newark and public statements from state officials. That comes to over $22,000 per vote, according to state records.
The New Jersey Institute for Social Justice estimated that roughly 25% of eligible teens registered to vote under the new policy, Chalkbeat Newark reported, marking the first time this age group participated in a local school board election in the city.
Teen voting rollout draws scrutiny over cost and turnout
State Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia publicly criticized the initiative, saying New Jersey “spent one million dollars so 16- and 17-year-olds could vote” in the Newark contest, where 45 teen ballots were ultimately cast.
Fantasia also pointed to low overall turnout, stating that about 3.2% of registered adult voters participated in the election, raising broader questions about engagement in decisions tied to Newark Public Schools’ multibillion-dollar budget.
Her remarks framed the issue as both fiscal and legal, questioning whether minors should influence decisions tied to public spending.
“The questionable legality aside, who thinks it’s a good idea for children… to have a say in where a total $1.6B budget goes?” Fantasia wrote in a public post.
What changed in Newark’s school elections
Newark became one of the first cities in New Jersey to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in school board elections, a move intended to increase civic participation among younger residents directly impacted by education policy.
Supporters of the policy have argued that students experience the outcomes of school board decisions daily and should have a voice in leadership selection. The New Jersey Institute for Social Justice has been among groups advocating for youth voting access, pointing to registration levels among eligible teens as an early indicator of engagement.
The estimated 25% registration rate suggests interest among a segment of Newark’s youth population, even as actual turnout — 45 votes cast — remains a small share of total ballots.
Turnout concerns extend beyond youth voters
The controversy surrounding teen participation has also drawn attention to broader voter turnout challenges in Newark’s school board elections.
Fantasia emphasized that adult participation remained low, with just over 3% of registered voters casting ballots, though official turnout figures are typically finalized and confirmed by local election authorities after certification.
Low turnout in school board elections is not unique to Newark, but the contrast between policy changes and voter engagement has become a central point in the debate.
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Key Points
• 45 teenagers voted in Newark’s first school board election allowing 16- and 17-year-olds
• About 25% of eligible teens registered, according to the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice
• A state lawmaker claims the initiative cost $1 million and criticized low overall turnout
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