Blog

Election Day 2022 has come and gone but our work doesn’t stop here! In fact, these next few days, weeks and months are crucial to the fights our communities will face in 2024 and beyond.

Already, we have so much to celebrate in our communities and across the state. From empowering Black and Brown youth to vote in their first ever election, to canvassing and phone banking across our regions in Oakland, San Jose, Long Beach and Fresno. During this campaign we did in tandem with Power California, our staff was joined by 22 CFJ alumni and 59 volunteers to reach more than 3200 young voters ages 18-34 across the State!

We know that Black and Brown youth are prepared and ready to lead our democracy and voting trends this season are reflecting the power shift! The youngest voters (18-21) are voting earlier and in higher numbers this year than in the 2018 general election, showing the power young people have to shape our communities. 

“It was important that when we phone-banked and went door to door this season that we had real conversations to hear what affects our Black and Brown Youth in real time across California, especially in areas where our vote has been ignored!  Not only are we turning out our young people across the state to vote this election season but we’re also continuing to build a movement of young people to win battles in our communities that have yet to come!” – Arvin Garcia, CFJ Statewide Campaign Manager. 

Oakland Youth Secure Measure H Victory!

And we’re seeing the results! In Oakland, we worked hard to spread the word and get the vote out around Measure H – a school bond measure funding college and career pathways for Oakland Unified high school students. Voters passed the measure with strong support on Election Day. 

“Our canvassing work in Oakland around Measure H is so important because without my academy pathway and the summer internship opportunities I had, I wouldn’t have been able to explore my own passions. Students deserve to have access to those resources like I did.” – Armon Matthews, Oakland High alumni and CFJ Justice Fellow. 

Armon was among 25 CFJ youth leaders, OUSD teachers, allies and community members who spent these past weeks canvassing neighborhoods, dropping off literature and putting out the call for Oakland voters to pass the measure. 

What’s Next for Our Civic Engagement Work?

While many other races across the state are still being finalized, we see the power of centering the voices of Black and Brown youth and families in canvassing and getting out the vote. Throughout this election, we spoke to young people about housing issues and corporate accountability, finding out how many feel deeply affected but also empowered to push for change through the ballot box this past midterm season!

We’re so proud of all the amazing work youth leaders and alumni have done to get out the vote and activate their communities. These relationships and touchpoints are essential to our continued victories in 2024 and beyond.

Now’s the time to stay connected with us to learn more about upcoming ways to plug in and see our plans for a youth-led democracy in California! Be sure to follow us on IG, TikTok and Twitter