Become Part of Teen Vote

Have you ever wondered why the voting age is 18? This voting age was defined in the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. In fact, the 26th amendment lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 in response to the younger drafting age for the Vietnam War. While 16 year olds cannot be drafted if there is a war, they can pay taxes and be tried as adults. If they have these adult responsibilities, they should have the right to vote.

Though changing the national voting age would be ideal for those who support the cause, it is not yet a feasible goal. However, county governments can lower their voting ages to 16 without federal approval.

How does this happen?

First, one city council member must introduce a charter amendment proposing a voting age of 16. Then, the other city council members would vote on this charter amendment. If it passes with a majority vote, it would appear on the ballot as a yes-or-no question. To become law, a majority of citizens would need to vote in favor of the amendment's passage.

This might seem like an immense challenge, but it has been done. In Takoma Park and Hyattsville, Maryland, 16 and 17 year-olds can vote in local elections. In Berekely, California, 16 and 17 year-olds can vote in school board elections. There are also active movements in Illinois, Pittsburgh, and San Francisco.

Do you want to become a part of the Teen Vote movement and help give 16 and 17 year-olds a voice in your local government? Here's what you can do:

1. Start a Teen Vote club to engage your peers.
2. Spread the word! Post flyers, talk to people, and reach out to local media.
3. Contact your local city council (or charter commission) members. Arrange a meeting, and see if they would be willing to introduce or vote in favor of a charter amendment.