Lowering the voting age to 16: a good idea or maybe not?

In most countries, you can vote for the first time as soon as you turn 18 years old. This used to be higher, but now many people, especially student activists, want to lower this even further to 16. Several US states have attempted to make this change, but this was unsuccessful. But why should it be lowered to 16? Why isn’t the current law good enough? 

People at the age of 16 are allowed to work, and so paying taxes. In some places it’s even possible to marry at this age. However, voting is not allowed. The supporters of the plan to lower the voting age think it’s strange that young people have adult responsibilities, but don’t have the right to choose our leaders. At school, teens learn about politics and the government which means that they’re actively thinking about how the world should be in the future. This makes them prepared to make good decisions about who they’re going to vote for.

Young people are most effected by the future of our society. Climate change and school shootings are a few examples. If they are affected by the laws, they should be able to influence their future. This particular group has to live with the government the longest. Senior citizens also have the right to vote, but they will certainly die sooner. Supporters believe it’s only fair if young people can help to decide about the country’s future.

 

However, if everyone agreed with this idea, it would have already been carried out. Not everyone thinks teenagers are mature enough to make important decisions. People at the age of 16 are easily influenced, and therefore not suited to vote. Besides, the law also forbids 16 year olds to smoke, drink alcohol or buy a lottery ticket. If teens are not mature enough to do these things, why should we consider them mature enough to decide our next leaders?

 

To sum up, this is a discussion about responsibilities and whether 16- and 17 year olds are responsible enough to vote. 16 year olds are already permitted to work for example, but the law also forbids them certain things like smoking. The question is: on which side is voting? Maybe some states or countries will lower the voting age, but it is certain that this discussion will not easily be solved.