After the 26th amendment was ratified, the voting age was lowered to 18 years old for all elections. However, 16 and 17 year olds also deserve the right to vote. It is hypocritical when older people tell us that we are mature responsible adults when we commit a crime but at the same time say we are too ignorant and naive to vote. In 2011, people under 18 payed $730 million in income tax alone but had no way to influence how that money was spent. “No taxation without representation” should apply to us citizens younger than 18.