Do you feel strongly about climate change, pollution, or personal freedom? If so, you might look forward to when you have the right to vote on these issues. However, have you ever wondered why you need to be 18 instead of 16 to start voting? Society has decided that 16-year-olds can drive, be tried as adults if they commit crimes, and pay taxes if they work. If 16-year-olds are given these responsibilities, they should be trusted with the right to vote. The voting age should be lowered for the following three reasons:
1. If teens have adult responsibilities, they should have the same rights. Starting at the age of 16, teens can pay taxes and be tried as adults. It is unjust to consider 16-year-olds responsible adults in the context of committing crimes and earning money, but immature children in the context of voting.
2. Lowering the voting age will benefit youth. Issues such as education, environmental destruction, and national debt have a direct effect on youth. Allowing younger people to vote will encourage teenagers to develop their opinions, and encourage politicians to devote time to issues that impact youth.
3. Lowering the voting age would increase voter turnout. In 2013, Takoma Park, Maryland, lowered their voting age to 16. Takoma Park 16 and 17 year olds voted at twice the rate of residents 18 and older. Lowering the voting age would increase voter turnout, which may allow for fairer elections.
Nice!
ReplyDelete