My interest in civic engagement started early. When your father is a high school government teacher and your mother enjoys a lively discussion at the dinner table, you learn early on that civic engagement and being an active participant in the political process gives you a voice in your local, state and national government. Even if your preferred candidate isn’t successful, your vote always counts.
As a senior in high school, I participated in the city of South San Francisco’s Youth Government Day program (which my father Gene Mullin founded). This provided me with an opportunity to see firsthand the inner workings of local government. Later in life, as a member of the South San Francisco City Council, I participated in the program as an elected official and remember quite clearly the energy and interest shown by the students that shadowed me.
Now, as a member of the state Assembly, I am a proud to continue my advocacy for civic engagement and good government and have authored Assembly Constitutional Amendment 4, which would allow 17-year-olds to vote in primary elections, provided they will be 18 by the time of the general election. Once again, I have a connection with my father Gene Mullin, who served as a member of the state Assembly and authored similar legislation.
Studies show that voting is habit forming and I believe it’s a habit worth encouraging. Since young people typically have their first contact with the political process in their mandatory high school civics or government class, it’s the perfect time to engage them in the political process by making it possible for them to vote in the primaries.
Recommended for you
ACA 4 is very specific. It only allows those 17-year-olds who will be 18 by the general election to vote in the corresponding primary. High school students are organizing at very high levels, with “March for our Lives” a perfect example of the passion and commitment that exists. These same individuals are volunteering for campaigns and becoming increasingly involved in a variety of significant social issues, so why wouldn’t we want them to channel that passion and energy into the primary voting booth?
While some may question the ability of young voters to cast a meaningful vote, research shows that 17-year-olds are as informed and engaged as older voters. Young people are directly affected by issues like employment initiatives, affordable housing and education funding. They have what I would call “skin in the game” on these and other issues and I believe we should be looking for ways to amplify their voices. By including them in the primary election process, we are complementing the high school civics/government education they are receiving while still in high school and we are empowering them to engage in what we hope will become a lifelong habit.
California has led the nation in critical programs related to voter registration and engagement. We have increased the ability for people to vote by mail, where every voter automatically receives a ballot with the postage paid and strengthened campaign ad funding disclosure.
With all of our leadership in the area of elections, it’s hard to believe that in 2019, we are behind 23 other states when it comes to this issue. ACA 4 is about getting more Californians involved in the political process regardless of their party affiliation. It’s not a partisan issue; it’s a civic engagement issue whose time has finally arrived.
Kevin Mullin, D-South San Francisco, is speaker pro tempore of the California Assembly and represents San Mateo County’s 22nd Assembly District.
Let's let 17 year old vote, let's lower the threshold it takes to create new taxes from a 2/3 majority to a 55% majority. Next Kevin, I believe you will want non-citizens to vote. Where is all this coming from. I know you follow your father into politics but you need to realize that many of your constituents think you have gone and lost your mind.
Oh ya. How exactly does my history in these forums suggest that I would be happy when the franchise is again limited to white, male property owners? Who are you and what gives you the right to make such an insulting accusation as that despicable comment. You owe me an apology Mr. Baker. You have know idea who I am and yet you feel free to label me as a white supremacist.
I'm with you on the taxes, to many politicians look at taxes and think "well we need it to do good things" I would say, stop spending like a drunken sailor and using the taxpayer to bail you out. Stop creating problems then trying to find ways to fix them. It's clearly obvious lots of our "so called" politicians are far from forward thinking or at least don't think three steps ahead to foresee problems. As far as a 17 year old voting in primary, as long as they will be 18 by the general I think that's great, and I have never heard anyone but maybe some nutjob on FOX say lefties want illegals to be able to vote.
unfortunately you seem to think that "some" being able to vote for school board ONLY, if their children attend school would be able to vote for everything? Once again "alternative facts" in action.
Mr. Conway, I apologize for the implications in my statement. You said something that I perceived as racially insensitive and I let my emotions do the talking. While I disagree with you on many points, I went too far there.
I tried civic engagement with Mr. Mullins - he is a one-way street, engagement on his terms only. Letting the 17-year-old vote is another one of the leftist ploy to add to the Democratic Party rolls after they have been indoctrinated for years by our leftist-leaning and failing education system. Mr. Mullins is also a proponent of open borders, loves illegal immigration and has told me so in no uncertain terms. He should have never been (re)elected.
Two points. Conway...no not know. Two: these 17 year olds are the ones growing up being targets. I marched for voting rights for 18 year olds in the 60's among other things I marched for..equal rights anyone? Voting? We could be drafted, handed a rifle, put our on lives on the line, kill the enemy, pay taxes but not vote? These kids are far more aware than most scared middle aged white males care to admit. How do I know this? I talk to ny very aware nephews, nieces and grandchildren. They don't identify as a Republican or Democrat, as a lot of Americans vote, they vote for whatever candidate speaks their actual policy and vision. They vote forba better America. Look at the effect it had in the midterms. A quilt of colors and citizens.
I don’t know many white men who are running around scared do you?. If so, you can name them instead of labeling by race and age. With that point right there, you have expressed your ignorance of the situation and shows your racial animosity to those who are white, male and middle aged. When the left is wrong, they resort to name calling and racist stereotyping yet no one calls them on it. Just think if it was the white male saying things like this to either women or minorities. They would be BBQed.
Kevin Mullins, Endorsed Carlos G. Bolanos for Sheriff and was instrumental in getting Measure W on the ballot. He never said one word about the False Statements Carlos G. Bolanos made about Chinedu V. Okobi on October 3, 2018.
Mr. Conway seems to favor property rights, limited government, and limits on how easily government can levy taxes. I fail to see these values as racist.
Kevin, why not focus on issues that will help your constituents? If things keep on the track we are on a person living on a fixed income will not be able to live here. Property tax is out of control, sales tax keeps going up, car registration, PG & E, sewer and water all are going up, as a long time SSF resident seeing my property tax swell to $12,000.00 a year is ridiculous I'm guessing I'll be working until the day I die if I want to stay in my home. What do you think of that? And by the way I voted for you.
A better solution is to explore ways to better educate the pool of voters we already have and work with media outlets and those with influence to present information as neutral as possible. Bias reporting and propaganda doesn't do the community any good.
I'm wondering if Kevin Mullin or anyone on his staff has read this? It's a good article about Civic Engagement yet there is none from him or his staff.
Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO
personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who
make comments. Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language. Don't threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated. Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything. Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Anyone violating these rules will be issued a
warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be
revoked.
Please purchase a Premium Subscription to continue reading.
To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account.
We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription.
A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means you’re helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much!
(19) comments
Let's let 17 year old vote, let's lower the threshold it takes to create new taxes from a 2/3 majority to a 55% majority. Next Kevin, I believe you will want non-citizens to vote. Where is all this coming from. I know you follow your father into politics but you need to realize that many of your constituents think you have gone and lost your mind.
Chris' history in these forums suggests he will be happy when the franchise is again limited to white, male property owners.
Oh ya. How exactly does my history in these forums suggest that I would be happy when the franchise is again limited to white, male property owners? Who are you and what gives you the right to make such an insulting accusation as that despicable comment. You owe me an apology Mr. Baker. You have know idea who I am and yet you feel free to label me as a white supremacist.
I get the feeling Mr. Baker may be projecting. Please stay on your meds and don't skip any doses.
I'm with you on the taxes, to many politicians look at taxes and think "well we need it to do good things" I would say, stop spending like a drunken sailor and using the taxpayer to bail you out. Stop creating problems then trying to find ways to fix them. It's clearly obvious lots of our "so called" politicians are far from forward thinking or at least don't think three steps ahead to foresee problems. As far as a 17 year old voting in primary, as long as they will be 18 by the general I think that's great, and I have never heard anyone but maybe some nutjob on FOX say lefties want illegals to be able to vote.
don't let the fact that illegals can vote in San Francisco get in the way of your argument
unfortunately you seem to think that "some" being able to vote for school board ONLY, if their children attend school would be able to vote for everything? Once again "alternative facts" in action.
Mr. Conway, I apologize for the implications in my statement. You said something that I perceived as racially insensitive and I let my emotions do the talking. While I disagree with you on many points, I went too far there.
If you care about the kids, why don't you tackle the fact that California has added more than $200 billion in debt during the last decade.
Most of that debt is in “unfunded liabilities” for promises of pensions and retirement health care made to state and local government employees.
I tried civic engagement with Mr. Mullins - he is a one-way street, engagement on his terms only. Letting the 17-year-old vote is another one of the leftist ploy to add to the Democratic Party rolls after they have been indoctrinated for years by our leftist-leaning and failing education system. Mr. Mullins is also a proponent of open borders, loves illegal immigration and has told me so in no uncertain terms. He should have never been (re)elected.
Two points. Conway...no not know. Two: these 17 year olds are the ones growing up being targets. I marched for voting rights for 18 year olds in the 60's among other things I marched for..equal rights anyone? Voting? We could be drafted, handed a rifle, put our on lives on the line, kill the enemy, pay taxes but not vote? These kids are far more aware than most scared middle aged white males care to admit. How do I know this? I talk to ny very aware nephews, nieces and grandchildren. They don't identify as a Republican or Democrat, as a lot of Americans vote, they vote for whatever candidate speaks their actual policy and vision. They vote forba better America. Look at the effect it had in the midterms. A quilt of colors and citizens.
I don’t know many white men who are running around scared do you?. If so, you can name them instead of labeling by race and age. With that point right there, you have expressed your ignorance of the situation and shows your racial animosity to those who are white, male and middle aged. When the left is wrong, they resort to name calling and racist stereotyping yet no one calls them on it. Just think if it was the white male saying things like this to either women or minorities. They would be BBQed.
Sorry for typo. Big fingers little keys.
Kevin Mullins, Endorsed Carlos G. Bolanos for Sheriff and was instrumental in getting Measure W on the ballot. He never said one word about the False Statements Carlos G. Bolanos made about Chinedu V. Okobi on October 3, 2018.
Mr. Conway seems to favor property rights, limited government, and limits on how easily government can levy taxes. I fail to see these values as racist.
Thank you for representing my views accurately. That was a first.
Kevin, why not focus on issues that will help your constituents? If things keep on the track we are on a person living on a fixed income will not be able to live here. Property tax is out of control, sales tax keeps going up, car registration, PG & E, sewer and water all are going up, as a long time SSF resident seeing my property tax swell to $12,000.00 a year is ridiculous I'm guessing I'll be working until the day I die if I want to stay in my home. What do you think of that? And by the way I voted for you.
A better solution is to explore ways to better educate the pool of voters we already have and work with media outlets and those with influence to present information as neutral as possible. Bias reporting and propaganda doesn't do the community any good.
I'm wondering if Kevin Mullin or anyone on his staff has read this? It's a good article about Civic Engagement yet there is none from him or his staff.
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.