Critics will say that 16 and 17-year-olds lack the maturity to vote responsibly, but this argument fails to consider the capabilities of some teenagers. As Sawyer Best says, “Many teens are already passionate about issues affecting them, as seen in social movements.” Young people have consistently shown they are ready for the responsibility. Countries like Austria and Brazil have already had positive impacts from allowing younger people to vote. As Collin Jones emphasizes, “If we can drive and work at 16, we’re mature enough to vote.”
Almost all 16-year-olds can obtain a learner’s permit and work a job, but they cannot have a say on things that affect them the most. This denies them a voice on issues like gun violence and the rising cost of education. Now is the time to allow younger people to vote by giving them the ability to shape the future they will eventually inherit. Since teens do not have the right to vote, they are unimportant in policy discussions that directly affect their lives. As Pennridge High School student Collin Jones stated, “Issues like gun safety could change with young people in elections.” Studies by Yosef Bhatti and Kasper Hansen show that voting early in one’s years causes political participation habits. Civic education also plays a significant role. It ensures one’s readiness, as mentioned by Margaret McAllister, who explains that applying classroom knowledge to real-world voting causes a sense of engagement and responsibility. Sawyer Best, a 22-year-old advocate, says, “Education is essential for teaching young people how government works and the importance of voting.” This shows the importance of preparing young voters to make informed choices that will cause them to participate in elections that directly affect their lives and futures.
This shows that preparing our young voters is essential so that they make informed choices that will cause them to participate in elections that impact them directly and through their future. Granting this privilege to teenagers is a step in the right direction and towards a more inclusive future and democracy. The time to act is now.
Sources:
https://www.commoncause.org/emerging-power/work/lva/
https://www.britannica.com/procon/voting-age-debate
