At next week’s College Park City Council meeting on February 4, 2025, a public hearing will be held at the beginning of the meeting to discuss two major charter amendments. These amendments could significantly impact the city’s election process by lowering the voting age to 16 and modifying how City Council vacancies are filled. Residents are encouraged to share their views before the Council votes on these important issues.

Vote 16: Allowing 16- and 17-Year-Olds to Vote in City Elections (24-CR-02)

The Council will vote on Charter Amendment 24-CR-02, which proposes allowing 16- and 17-year-old residents to vote in municipal elections. If approved, College Park would join nearby cities like Hyattsville and Takoma Park, which have successfully implemented similar measures.

Background and Purpose

The Vote 16 initiative is based on the idea that allowing younger residents to vote in local elections fosters early civic engagement and helps build lifelong voting habits. Studies from cities that have adopted this policy indicate that 16- and 17-year-olds who register to vote often turn out at higher rates than older first-time voters.

In Maryland, municipal governments have the authority to set their own voter eligibility requirements. The proposal would apply only to City of College Park elections and would not impact state or federal elections.

Arguments in Favor

  • Encourages civic participation among younger residents, leading to increased voter turnout in the long run.
  • Aligns with other civic responsibilities—16-year-olds are already allowed to work, pay taxes, and drive.
  • Improves youth representation, ensuring young voices are heard in local policy decisions that affect their education, transportation, and community services.

Arguments Against

  • Some residents have expressed concerns about whether 16-year-olds have enough life experience to make informed voting decisions.
  • Opponents worry that this change could require additional outreach efforts to educate younger voters on election processes.

A public hearing will be held at the beginning of the meeting, providing an opportunity for residents to express their thoughts on this amendment.

Charter Amendment on Filling Council Vacancies (25-CR-01)

The Council will also vote on Charter Amendment 25-CR-01, which aims to modify the process of filling City Council vacancies.

Current Vacancy Rules

Our existing charter requires a Special Election to be held within 65 days if the end of the term for the Mayor or Councilmember is greater than 180 days from the next election.

Proposed Changes

This Charter Resolution will amend how a Council vacancy can be filled; if the vacancy occurs more than 365/366 days of the next general election, the vacancy shall be filled by special election held not later than 65 days after the vacancy exists.

If the vacancy occurs within 365/366 days of, but not later than 60 days, before the next general election, the vacancy can be filled by appointment of the Mayor and Council by a majority vote within 30 days after the vacancy OR by Special Election not later than 65 days after the vacancy occurs. The decision on how to fill the vacancy must be by majority vote of the Mayor and Council.

  • Cost Savings: Special elections require additional city funds for ballots, voting machines, and staff time. Allowing appointments in certain cases would reduce expenses.
  • Quicker Process: Appointments would ensure continuity in leadership, preventing an extended vacancy while waiting for an election.
  • More Flexibility: This change gives the Council the ability to assess each vacancy individually and determine the best course of action.

Concerns About the Amendment

  • Some residents worry that allowing Council appointments could limit voter choice in filling vacant seats.
  • Critics argue that even short-term vacancies should be filled through elections, rather than by appointment, to maintain democratic transparency.

A public hearing will be held at the beginning of the meeting, providing an opportunity for residents to express their thoughts on this amendment.

Why These Votes Matter

Both of these charter amendments could have a lasting impact on how College Park conducts its municipal elections.

📅 Date: Tuesday, February 4, 2025
🕢 Time: 7:30 P.M. (Public hearing at the beginning of the meeting)
📍 Location: Hybrid Meeting – Attend in person at City Hall (7401 Baltimore Ave) or join via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/92398574069.

Residents are strongly encouraged to attend the meeting or submit public comments to ensure their voices are heard before the Council makes a final decision.

In case you cannot attend the public hearings, please send your comments to the City Council at cpmc@collegeparkmd.gov. Thank you!