Approximately 50 area youths met last night to urge the Cambridge City Council to permit them to vote in local elections.
Councilors heard testimony from members of the Campaign for a Democratic Future, a group of area high school students who want 16 and 17 year olds to vote in school committee and city council elections.
The student group collected more than 300 signatures in support of the measure from Cambridge Rindge and Latin School (CRLS) students. They presented these signatures in a home-made ballot box.
"We found as many people who support the measure as could have changed the vote in Florida," quipped CRLS student Emma Lang.
Several councillors commented in support of the students' efforts.
"Young people want to be a part of the process," said councillor David P. Maher. "They want to be more involved."
"It's good whenever we get young people more engaged in the community," added councilor Marjorie C. Decker.
Members of the youth group said they should have the right to select members of the school committee, as its decisions directly affect them.
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