Right now, 16- and 17-year-olds across America can drive, hold jobs, pay taxes, and in some cases, even be tried as adults. But when it comes to choosing the leaders who make the laws that affect their lives, they’re shut out of the process. It’s time to change that.

Across the world — and now in the U.K. — more and more countries are recognizing that young people deserve a say in their democracy. Research shows that when teens vote while still in school, where they’re learning about civics and current events, they’re more likely to become lifelong voters. And in places like Austria and Scotland where 16-year-olds have been allowed to vote, turnout among younger voters often matches or even surpasses older age groups.

We should be encouraging participation, not blocking it.

Lowering the voting age to 16 won’t just strengthen democracy for the future — it will empower a generation already facing major decisions about climate change, gun violence, education, and the economy. If young people are old enough to contribute to society, they’re old enough to have a voice in shaping it.

Sign this petition to urge Congress to pass legislation lowering the voting age to 16 and build a democracy that listens to every generation — not just the oldest.

Photo: Joe Buglewicz/The New York Times