Sixteen- and 17-year-olds are able to drive a car, hold employment, pay taxes and represent the next generation of leaders. They have ignited social movements, but they are often ignored and unable to leverage their  political power because they do not have the ability to vote. Lowering the voting age would help young people achieve greater political representation and allow them to engage in advocacy efforts with the extra power of being a voter. 

Including younger voters in our democracy provides them with a tool to hold elected officials accountable for their actions and inaction. From school shootings to neighborhood violence to the cost of college, young people are directly and deeply impacted by today’s public policy decisions. 

Dozens (and counting!) of  jurisdictions in the United States have already lowered the voting age to 16 for some elections, resulting in voter turnout increases with no discernable negative consequences. 18 states and Washington DC allow pre-registration at 16,  allow pre-registration at 17, and six other states have an assortment of ages under 18 (90 days before turning 18, or 17.5, or 17 and 10 months), while 19 states allow 17-year-olds to vote in primaries if they will be 18 by the General Election.

Political scientists have found “there is no evidence that the quality of vote choices among citizens under 18 is any worse than that of older voters.” Scholars have concluded that “sixteen-year-olds are mature enough — or at least as mature as individuals aged eighteen or older — to inform themselves sufficiently and make rational voting decisions.”

Are you 16 and interested in launching a campaign? Here’s how Common Cause might be able to support your efforts:

• Engage our membership base in your campaign
• Assist with press releases, press statements, OpEds, and LTEs
• Support a legislative strategy
• Support a grassroots campaign

To set up a call to discuss partnership, email youthprograms@commoncause.org.

Now is the time for us to allow these 16 and 17 year olds to vote in elections nationwide and begin fostering civic participation at a younger age. 

Sign our petition to show your support.