YES

Navya Nadkarni ‘25

OPINIONS EDITOR

With the national voting age at 18 years old, a large portion of the population is restricted from engaging in the vital civic responsibility of voting. Lowering the voting age can increase voter participation and allow for a larger portion of the U.S. population to be represented in elections.

Teenagers should be able to vote at 16 because they have an understanding of politics. Policy decisions directly impact teens, so younger generations should have the voting power to voice their opinions. Participating in elections at a young age also facilitates future community involvement and deepens understanding of the political process. Voting young sets the standards for engaging in one’s civic responsibilities early, which can keep people engaged in the democratic process for years to come.

When teenagers turn 16, they are already able to drive, work, and manage their finances. For the teens who are paying taxes with what they earn, their money is already contributing to their community. As 16-year-olds are given these responsibilities, they should be able to have a say in electing the policymakers who decide where their taxes go. Giving teenagers the right to vote acknowledges that they are active members of society, just like adults, and that their opinions matter too.

In a constantly evolving political landscape, it is essential for the voting requirement to evolve along with the world. Teens who are given the responsibility to act as citizens in this nation should be able to advocate for their own beliefs and opinions through voting. They should not have to wait to turn 18 to contribute to making decisions about their lives that already affect them.

NO

Julia Ran ‘26

WEB MANAGER

Debates over lowering the voting age have gained significant attention in recent years. Proponents of lowering the voting age claim that younger individuals should have a voice in the policies shaping their lives, but this argument is weaker than arguments made by opponents of lowering the voting age. Younger individuals are both more susceptible to undue influence and less aware of the consequences their votes carry.

Individuals under the age of 18 are often more easily influenced by forces around them, including social media, family, and other adults. Waiting until 18, when most people can experience the wider world either through college or a job, enables more people to cast informed votes. People under the age of 18 do not face adult responsibilities like filing taxes and managing finances, which limits their understanding of these issues and renders them unable to make truly informed decisions about these policies. They may also be less invested in making these decisions, threatening the function of our democracy, which only works if voters are fully invested in the government process.

Trust in the electoral process is crucial. The belief that people under the age of 18 aren't equipped to make responsible decisions will make people less likely to trust election outcomes, eroding the trust in our government.

Ultimately, while giving people under the age of 18 a chance to get involved in civic responsibilities early may help them become more active participants in society later on, the negatives of lowering the voting age far outweigh the positives. The integrity of our government is maintained by maintaining the voting age at 18, with individuals able to vote equipped with the life experience and decision-making skills necessary to responsibly shape the future.