Youth Vote Evaluation Report

INTRODUCTION

WHY THIS REPORT EXISTS

Following the passage of Measure QQ in 2020, youth leaders and community partners spent four years pushing for youth vote implementation, helping build new voting systems, and pre-registering and civically engaging young people. In November 2024, that work culminated in 16 and 17 year-old Oaklanders voting in the first youth vote election in a major U.S. city.

This report documents Oakland’s journey from winning youth voting rights to successfully implementing them, the lessons learned along the way, and what interventions will be needed to improve our voting systems so voting is more accessible to Oakland youth.

WHAT THIS REPORT COVERS

The report provides an inside look at:

The report provides an inside look at:

  • The fight to implement youth voting after Measure QQ
  • The role of youth organizing and coalition building
  • The launch of civic education and voter engagement efforts
  • The experience of Oakland’s first youth voters
  • Key challenges in election systems, outreach, and coordination
  • Practical recommendations for future implementation

The report draws on interviews with over 30 stakeholders, including youth organizers, educators, election officials, and policy experts, as well as data from the first youth vote election.

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WHAT THIS REPORT COVERS

The report provides an inside look at:

The toolkit phases covered are: 

  • The fight to implement youth voting after Measure QQ
  • The role of youth organizing and coalition building
  • The launch of civic education and voter engagement efforts
  • The experience of Oakland’s first youth voters
  • Key challenges in election systems, outreach, and coordination
  • Practical recommendations for future implementation

The report draws on interviews with over 30 stakeholders, including youth organizers, educators, election officials, and policy experts, as well as data from the first youth vote election.

WHY IT MATTERS

Oakland’s experience shows that winning the right to vote is only the beginning. Building a system where young people can meaningfully participate requires coordination across schools, government agencies, and community organizations—and a long-term commitment to youth leadership and civic education.

WHO THIS IS FOR

This resource is designed for:

  • Youth organizers and advocates
  • School districts and educators
  • Election officials and policymakers
  • Funders and partners supporting civic engagement

Whether you are starting a youth vote campaign or working to implement one, this report offers practical insights to guide your next steps.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT

To explore the full findings, stories, and recommendations from Oakland’s first youth vote election, please fill out the form below. The report download link will be sent to your email.

The Oakland Youth Vote toolkit was made possible with support from the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund and the W. Clement & Jessie V. Stone Foundation

THANK YOU!