Measure to lower voting age to 16 is on the ropes in Culver City in early returns. City residents will vote on an initiative that would lower the voting age to 16 next week, the California secretary of state reported Friday. Mayor Bob Foster’s council voted for the ordinance, which has the backing of the council members who voted against it. However, Foster’s councilmen — who supported the measure — now have the opportunity to change their position, meaning passage of the ordinance is at risk.
In a 4-3 vote, Foster’s council members supported the ordinance. Councilman Kevin McKeown voted against it, but his vote was not a clear yes or no. Councilman Jim Righeimer voted for it. Councilman Tim Bautista voted against it, but his vote was not a clear no. The council members who voted for the ordinance and then supported it have the opportunity to vote against it next week.
The council members who voted for the measure have the option of bringing it back at that time, changing their minds and supporting the ordinance. That’s one option.
Another option: They can vote for the ordinance, and next week the council could decide to push it again.
It sounds to me like both choices would be extremely risky bets, but it’s very interesting to see the back and forth in the mayor’s office.
So far the only option for the council members are to support the ordinance, but even that would be a big ask.
I’m sure it will get a lot more attention if the ordinance passes, so the council should vote against it next week.