#16for16
Yenjay, New Jersey
“I believe that lowering the voting age to 16 is a vital step in strengthening our democracy. By making voting and civic engagement more accessible to youth, we can increasing voter turnout over time. I also believe that this would allow for a more informed electorate, as 16 and 17 year olds are better supported by mentors, teachers, and parents. It is time for youth to have greater political representation to shape the future that we wish to live in.”
Molly, New York
16 and 17 year olds pay work, drive, pay taxes, and are already contributing to society. They’re learning about the history of civic engagement and politics in school and are directly impacted by the laws and issues that are happening in society, yet they have no say in who represents them. We know that the habits you form when you’re in that age range are critical and become life-long. That same idea applies to voting and civic engagement, building those habits young is so important and the earlier we can build those habits, the more involved our future generations will be.
Jesse, Maryland
Granting 16-year-olds the right to vote is essential because we already entrust them with significant responsibilities like driving and working. Just because an individual is 16 or 17, that doesn’t make them immune from policy decisions. By allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote, we ensure their voices are heard and that policies are crafted to support their future success.
Iris, Maryland
As someone who just started voting for the first time in 2022, I believe that being able to vote earlier is more sensible. When classrooms are teaching students about civic engagement, are often sites of polling places, and students even get a day off from school for Election Day, it only makes sense that students are able to vote during their high school life and not towards the end or after. Having the first time to vote be at age 18 makes it very difficult because it’s typically a time when students start their first year of college, a tough transition.
Alisha, Maryland
I support lowering the voting age to 16 because young people are deeply engaged and invested in the issues that shape our society. They are already active participants in our democracy through advocacy, protest, and community involvement. By granting them the right to vote, we acknowledge their contributions and empower them to have a direct impact on the policies that affect their futures.Voting at a younger age can establish lifelong voting habits, fostering a more engaged and representative community and taking a crucial step toward a more inclusive and responsive democracy.
Darvius, Missouri
Young people are deeply impacted by decisions made at all levels of government, yet they currently lack a direct voice in the electoral process. Allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote acknowledges their capability to engage in informed civic participation and strengthens our democracy by including a broader range of perspectives. Moreover, fostering early voting habits can lead to a lifetime of civic engagement, creating a more active and representative electorate.
Ellie, California
Lowering the voting age recognizes the many adult responsibilities already held by 16 year-olds in American society today. Youth today are facing an existential threat in the fight against environmental devastation and global warming. As global temperatures continue to rise each year, the political policies enacted today will have a significant impact on every aspect of young peoples’ future, including housing, migration, food security, and ultimately the planet’s survival. 16 year-olds deserve a say in the political decision that will determine their own future!
Nilani, Oregon
Across the nation, 16- and 17-year-olds are already working, driving, paying taxes, and actively contributing to their communities. Given their existing responsibilities as citizens, it is logical that they should have a direct voice in decisions that will shape their futures. Allowing young adults to vote not only fosters civic habits early on, it also ensures that diverse perspectives are represented- ultimately strengthening our democracy.
Kaitlyn, North Carolina
As a student, I believe that I should have a say in who makes decisions about what I learn and the policies that affect my school.
Vanessa, Maryland
Lowering the voting age to 16 is imperative towards a more just future. Policies and decisions in local, state, and federal board elections directly impact students and our education. Therefore, students should have the right to vote for the people that best represent youth needs.
Grace, North Carolina
As a 17 year old who has worked a couple years, I pay taxes to our government from paychecks and well as sales tax when purchasing items and I believe I should be allowed to have a say in where my money goes to and how it’ll benefit the community.
Sanda, New York
Because doing so is essential to strengthening and sustaining democracy, civil society, and electoral justice.
Anika, New Jersey
Enfranchising sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds is crucial to protecting our democracy. Young people meet all the criteria necessary for enfranchisement–they are mature and well-informed, have a vested stake in our government, and many handle responsibilities like working a job, driving, and paying taxes.
Saliha, Texas
As a research intern studying how lowering the voting the age to 16 can impact democracy it was so enlightening to see the commons misconceptions that surround the idea. I think it us important to lower the voting age as it would grant a disenfranchised portion of the population important rights that could change the efficiency of our democratic system.
Jhanavi, Pennsylvania
As the President of New Voters, I have had the honor of working alongside countless 16-year-olds who have mobilized thousands to vote, coordinated national vaccine hesitancy campaigns, and mentored students older than them on community engagement effort, and can say with confidence they are ready and eager to vote.”
Julia, California
Young people aren’t just the future, they’re the present. Our democracy is stronger when more people are a part of it.