Voting Age in the U.S. should be Lowered to 16

Since the beginning of our democracy, the people of this great nation have relied on adults eighteen years and older to cast their vote and attend to their civic duty, but somewhere along the lines, almost half of the eligible voters have habitually neglected their duty to participate in our elections. Although the current voting age sits at 18, the requirement to elect government officials must be lowered to 16 to encourage voting habits and citizen influence on our government.

VOTING HABITS

Encouraging voting habits with citizens of the United States is crucial to elect government officials that best fit their countries needs. 48% of the United States eligible voters did not vote in the 2016 election (Ryan). This rate is alarming. Only half of eligible voters opinions and issues are being heard. Henceforth, the people's common issues will most likely be ignored if not enough people express their right to vote. Voting habits must be geared into place. A citizen who votes in one election has a 13% greater probability of voting in a future election. Studies show that people who participate in elections at the youngest possible age are likely to develop voting habits for future elections (Procon).

YOUNG ADULTS ARE READY TO VOTE

Many young adults and teenagers under 18 are already working jobs and being taxed on wages earned. A 2018 study showed that 50 percent of all youth ages 16-24 had full-time or part-time jobs of some sort (Child Trend). At the age of 16, these young adults can be behind the wheel of a car, work full time, donate blood, and register as organ donors (Warren). Being able to vote at 16 is a must. These young adults are ready to vote and ready to attend to their civic duty instead of neglecting it.

MANY COUNTRIES ALLOW VOTING AT SIXTEEN

Many countries abroad have already allowed young adults 16 and up to take part in elections. Countries like Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Ecuador, Estonia, Germany, Nicaragua, Switzerland, and a few others have already allowed voting at sixteen (Vote16). Some U.S. cities like Takoma Park, Maryland, have already allowed voting at 16 & 17 and have seen many young adults come out and vote (Vote16). By having small cities within the U.S. give voting privleges to minors under 18, is a good start to making the voting age in the United States 16 on a federal level.

CALL TO ACTION

The U.S voting age must be lowered! The percentage of Eligible voters neglecting their duty to vote is absurd. Without a democracy, the United States would not be where it is today. Democracy is important to ensure the rights of the citizens. As a proud citizen of the United States, I am pushing for citizens to call on their local state governments to drive congress to pass the already introduced Vote 16 Legislation.