Question

Should the voting age be lowered to thirteen?

Answer 1

Voting isn't the most exciting thing, but it gives Americans the freedom to have their voices heard. You gain the right to vote when you turn eighteen years of age but should this be lowered? Should the youth have a say in who and what goes on in the government? How young should the age be if that were to be even considered?

In my opinion, lowering the age to those who are thirteen years old would greatly impact the elections. According to some research, there are many pros and cons in doing such a thing, but it seems as though the scale is a bit heavier on the pro side. According to Lowering the Voting Age by Britannica Procom.org, Younger kids are "just as knowledgeable about civics and have the same ability to make good voting choices as older voters." By lowering the voting age, it will increase voter turnouts. This will help with the close calls and last-minute ties, much like this year's election. Not only will it boost interest in politics at a young age but, as they grow older, they are more likely to participate in elections. It also will help them develop cold cognitive skills and their ability to gather information and make well thought out cognitive decisions.

Although there are some cons, the pros seem quite promising. Being that this decision would have such a good outcome is my reasoning for why I believe that lowering the age is a good idea. The impact would have on the politics of this century would be historical.

Answer 2

No, specifically because younger audiences tend to be the most impressionable, thus likely are to cater towards their parents beliefs unless they themselves struggle as a minority. A child’s brain is not fully developed and have not yet grasped the experience or concept of politics in terms of taxes and law establishments being made in their country. Parents would most likely make their child vote for their own favored candidate, thus not truly allowing them to speak for themselves. Experts say that 16-17 year olds demonstrate lower interest in politics with less political knowledge and subject to different labors and contract, and aren’t allowed to join the military or do many things without parental consent.