Should You Get to Vote?

Now, some adults assume we have not learned enough about our government and our country to form opinions about who should be elected. But my generation has proven that this assumption is incorrect. We are more informed and politically engaged than ever before. In fact, our generation is one of the most socially active in history. (Remember the climate change protests held outside your office last year? Those were organized by students at my school!) According to a recent survey by Irregular Labs, 73 percent of Gen Z-ers said that being politically or socially engaged was “very important to their identity.” Does that sound like a group that isn’t ready to vote?

Consider this: In 2013, the city of Takoma Park, Maryland, lowered the voting age for local elections to 16. Since then, 16- and 17-year-olds who registered to vote have cast their ballots at a higher rate than any other age group. If we lowered the voting age in our town, I bet the same thing could happen here.

Still, I understand that not everyone my age is ready to vote. But maybe lowering the voting age could change that. Enabling teens to participate fully in our democracy could empower more young people to start educating themselves and to get involved sooner rather than later.

I hope that you will consider my points, and I am looking forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Sarah Philips

Dear Sarah,

I am thrilled that you reached out to me and that you’ve taken such an interest in this issue. When I was your age, I wanted to vote too, so I understand your frustration. That being said, I do not think that the voting age should change, and I will tell you why.

Voting is an incredibly important responsibility. I agree that your generation is engaged and informed, but deciding who to vote for requires drawing on life experiences that kids your age have not had yet. Plus, voting requires a certain amount of knowledge about how the government works—and not all kids your age have this knowledge. The study of the rights and duties of citizens is called civics, and only nine states require students to have a full year of it in school. Ten states don’t require it at all. If we were to lower the voting age, it would be imperative to first make civics a mandatory yearlong subject in all schools.

In addition, it can be hard as a kid to separate your opinions from those of your parents or other adults around you. When I was your age, I would have just voted the same way my parents did—but your vote should be about you and your convictions.