Keep the Voting Age at 18 in the U.S.: Don't Lower it to 16
The Issue
There’s growing pressure to lower the voting age to 16 — but we believe 18 is the right age to begin participating in federal elections, and that changing it would do more harm than good.
Voting is one of the most important responsibilities in a democracy. It requires maturity, independent judgment, and an understanding of complex issues that affect our economy, national security, and the future of our country. At 16, most teens are still legally minors, still in high school, and still under the care and influence of their parents and teachers. Many haven’t yet had the life experience needed to make informed decisions at the ballot box.
Recent polling shows that the vast majority of Americans agree: lowering the voting age is not a popular or necessary step. In fact, even in countries that have tried it, turnout among 16- and 17-year-olds is often low — raising serious questions about whether it actually increases engagement or just dilutes the integrity of our elections.
We recognize that young people have a stake in their communities. But civic education and pre-registration — not ballots — are the right tools for preparing them to vote at 18.
Sign this petition to tell Congress and local officials: don’t lower the voting age. Protect the integrity and seriousness of the vote by keeping the minimum age at 18.
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The Issue
There’s growing pressure to lower the voting age to 16 — but we believe 18 is the right age to begin participating in federal elections, and that changing it would do more harm than good.
Voting is one of the most important responsibilities in a democracy. It requires maturity, independent judgment, and an understanding of complex issues that affect our economy, national security, and the future of our country. At 16, most teens are still legally minors, still in high school, and still under the care and influence of their parents and teachers. Many haven’t yet had the life experience needed to make informed decisions at the ballot box.
Recent polling shows that the vast majority of Americans agree: lowering the voting age is not a popular or necessary step. In fact, even in countries that have tried it, turnout among 16- and 17-year-olds is often low — raising serious questions about whether it actually increases engagement or just dilutes the integrity of our elections.
We recognize that young people have a stake in their communities. But civic education and pre-registration — not ballots — are the right tools for preparing them to vote at 18.
Sign this petition to tell Congress and local officials: don’t lower the voting age. Protect the integrity and seriousness of the vote by keeping the minimum age at 18.
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Petition created on July 21, 2025