Voting Age

Table of Contents

Introduction
Pros
- Pro 1: 16-year-olds are just as knowledgeable about civics and have the same ability to make good voting choices as older voters.
- Pro 2: Lowering the voting age to 16 increases voter turnout and develops lifelong voting habits.
- Pro 3: At age 16, people should have a voice in the laws that affect their lives and a stake in the future of their country.
Cons
- Con 1: Kids younger than 18 aren’t mature enough to participate in elections.
- Con 2: The 18–29 age group has extremely low voter turnout, suggesting people aren’t ready to vote until later in life.
- Con 3: The vast majority of Americans of all ages and political views agree that 16-year-olds should not be given the right to vote.
Discussion Questions
Take Action
Sources

References & Edit History Related Topics

Images

Read Next

Women casting their vote in New York City, c. 1920s. At Fifty-sixth and Lexington Avenue, the women voters showed no ignorance or trepidation, but cast their ballots in a businesslike way that bespoke study of suffrage."

Voting in the U.S.A.

A young black girl voting on election day

Pro and Con: Lowering the Voting Age in the United States

Prominent woman's suffrage advocates parade in an open car supporting the ratification of the 19th amendment granting women the right to vote in federal elections. (From left) W.L. Prendergast, W.L. Colt, Doris Stevens, and Alice Paul; c. 1910-15.

Votes for Women

Discover

Monitor. Varanus salvadorii is a monitor lizard found in New Guinea can grows to 2.7 metres (9 ft.) aka Tree crocodile, Crocodile monitor, Salvadori's monitor, artellia, reptile

7 of the World’s Most Dangerous Lizards and Turtles

The impeachment trial of Pres. Andrew Johnson, illustration from Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, March 28, 1868.

What If the President Is Impeached?

Four year old boy with grandfather and father lighting Hanukkah menorah. Photo taken on: December 21st, 2009

Which Is Correct: Hanukkah or Chanukah?

King Cobra snake in Malaysia. (reptile)

9 of the World’s Deadliest Snakes

Indian hijras participate in a religious procession in Gandhinagar, India, some 30 kilometers from Ahmedabad, on March 22, 2017. Hijra is a term used in South Asia which refers to transgender individuals who are born male. (gender identity, gender expression)

6 Cultures That Recognize More than Two Genders

Srinivasa Ramanujan, Indian mathematician and autodidact.

6 Interesting Facts about Srinivasa Ramanujan

Colorful winter sunset

What's the Difference Between a Solstice and an Equinox?

Voting Age: Media

Should the U.S. Voting Age Be Lowered to 16?

Images

Voting

Should the U.S. voting age be lowered to 16?

© Fredex8/iStock.com

VIEW MORE in these related Britannica articles: