6.16 Youth Voting

Chapter 6
Section 16
Subject 6.16 Youth Voting
Effective Date 9/4/2024 12:00 AM

 6.16      Youth Voting 

Pursuant to Elections Code 2105.7, eligible youth detained in the Juvenile Hall, Secure Youth Treatment Facility, and the Coastal Valley Academy, who wish to vote in an election shall have the opportunity to vote. 

  1. Identify eligible youth
    1. The JSO III and Probation Assistant assigned to voting responsibilities will identify who of those youth 18 years of age are citizens of the United States and residents of California eligible to register for and or vote.  
    2. A list will be generated monthly through Monitor, identifying all detained youth who are 18 or older. 
    3. Eligible (US citizens and CA residents) 16- and 17-year-olds can pre-register to vote.  When they turn 18-years-old, they will automatically be registered. 
    4. The voting process will be explained to eligible youth and asked if they would like to register. A flag will be created in Monitor indicating an eligible youth’s voting status or that they have declined the opportunity to register.
  2. Access to application
    1. All eligible youth will be given electronic access to complete a voter registration application in their preferred language.
    2. Youth will be offered assistance in completing the voter registration.
    3. Confirmation of the youth’s registration will be printed.   One copy will be given to the youth, and one will be saved in Monitor.
    4. If the youth is in custody for the next election, the Probation Department’s address will be used for the youth to receive the ballot prior to an election.
    5. If the youth is released prior to the next election, the youth will use their home address to receive a ballot.
  1.  Completing an election ballot
    1. Youth will receive their election ballot and voting materials with the normal mail distribution.
    2. Youth will complete their election ballot at least one week prior to the election.
    3. The bottom portion containing the ballot number will be torn off and given to the youth for their records.  
    4. The completed ballots will be postmarked prior to an Election Day.