Voting Age Voting

Too Young To Vote

The voting age has been a topic of controversy for many generations. What gender votes, what race votes, how to vote, where to vote, and who to vote for are all questions that have generated debate. Many of these continue to be asked during every election. An additional question that is being posed in current elections is at what age one should be allowed to vote. The voting age has become an increasing relevant topic due to an increase in countries lowering their voting age. Countries that are at the forefront in lowering their voting age include: Germany, Austria, Argentina, and the United Kingdom (Lowering the Voting Age). Even though the facts surrounding the proposal to lower the voting age are limited, it is constitutional. The constitution states that no one over the age of 18 can be denied the right to vote based on age (US Const. amend. XXVI, Sec. 1). The constitution also ?allows for those under 18 to vote as long as it is permitted by the state in which the voter resides. The most recent escalation in interest stems from Takoma Park, Maryland where the age that is typically marked by driving is now marked by voting. These young voters are only permitted to vote in local elections (Holeywell). This event has sparked an interest in lowering the voting age, and lowering the voting age is not a wise choice.

History shows that lowering the voting age in not conducive. The wave of countries lowering their voting ages began in the 1950’s. James Mitcham who worked in the Library of Congress, stated that according to Ames Peaslee, author of Constitutions of Nations, over 20 countries had a mimimum voting age of 21 or older(Mitcham). During the 1950’s approximatly 105 sovereign states were recognized, showing...

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...ion. In the 11 major states, only 66% of eligible voters turned out in the 2012 election, and in the 39 other states the voter turnout averaged at 57% (What Affects Voter Turnout Rates). These numbers are a harsh pill to swallow. Not only are non imprtant states turnout low, but the 11 key states even have low turnout. Our country, and states should be focusing on increasing these numbers. This is backed by Jenny Cheng, a lecturer at Vanderbilt Law School said “Interest in improing young adults’ political participation would be better focused on attacking barriers like residency requirements that exclude college students…The voting age is the least of their problems” (Cheng). Lowereing the voting age is not a wise choice. This debate on lowering the voting age should be ended, and time should be focused on increasing voter registration and increasing voter turnout.