Should Voting Age Be Lowered to 16?

Summary

This script explores the debate over whether the voting age should be lowered to 16. It highlights historical changes in voting rights, the maturity and cognitive development of teenagers, and the potential benefits of early political engagement. The video also discusses the experiences of other countries and specific U.S. cities that allow 16-year-olds to vote, suggesting that young people are capable of participating meaningfully in the democratic process.

Takeaways

• 📜 At 18, individuals are considered adults in society and gain various rights including voting, joining the military, and getting a tattoo.
• 🗳️ The right to vote is a significant aspect of American democracy, with a history of evolving voting laws to include more citizens over time.
• 🌟 Young people under 18 have been influential in movements like Black Lives Matter and March for Our Lives, advocating for issues that affect them.
• 🧠 The brain continues to develop into the mid-twenties, with emotional decision-making (hot cognition) being more challenging for teenagers compared to adults.
• 🏛 Historically, voting rights in the U.S. were restricted to land-owning white Christian males, but have since been expanded to include all citizens 18 and over.
• 🔄 The 26th Amendment was a significant step in lowering the voting age from 21 to 18, influenced by the Vietnam War and the argument that those who fight for their country should vote in it.
• 🤔 The debate over lowering the voting age to 16 raises questions about maturity and life experience, with some arguing that teenagers are not ready for such a responsibility.
• 🌍 Some countries and cities, like those in Maryland, allow 16-year-olds to vote in local elections, suggesting that it is not an uncommon practice worldwide.
• 🏫 Advocates for lowering the voting age argue that 16-year-olds are affected by laws and should have a say, especially in areas like school policy and taxation.
• 📊 Studies show that voting in the first eligible election can establish voting as a habit, with higher participation rates among 16 and 17-year-olds in some local elections.
• 📣 Beyond voting, young people can influence politics through education, community organization, and motivating others, emphasizing that there are multiple ways to participate in democracy.

Q & A

At what age is an individual generally considered an adult in society?

In society, an individual is generally considered an adult when they turn 18.

What are some rights and privileges gained at the age of 18?

At 18, individuals gain the right to join the military, be eligible for jury duty, get tattoos, and most importantly, the right to vote.

How have young people under the age of 18 influenced lawmakers in recent years?

Young people under 18 have influenced lawmakers through movements like Black Lives Matter and the March for Our Lives, putting pressure on them to address issues such as police brutality and gun violence.

At what age can an individual start working, pay taxes, and be tried as an adult for some crimes?

At the age of 16, an individual can start working, pay taxes, and in some cases, be tried as an adult for certain crimes.

What is the historical context of the voting age in the United States?

The voting age in the United States has evolved over time. Initially, there was no mention of a voting age in the Constitution, and states required voters to be at least 21, white, male, and land-owning. Over the years, property and religion requirements were abolished, and amendments and acts like the 15th, 19th, and 26th Amendments, as well as the Voting Rights Act, expanded voting rights to more people, eventually setting the voting age at 18.

What was the rationale behind lowering the voting age from 21 to 18 in the United States?

The rationale behind lowering the voting age to 18 was the argument that if individuals were old enough to be drafted and die for their country during the Vietnam War, they should be able to vote in it as well.

What are some arguments against lowering the voting age to 16?

Arguments against lowering the voting age to 16 include the belief that 16-year-olds may not be mature enough or have enough life experience. Additionally, their brains are still developing, which can affect their decision-making, particularly in emotionally charged situations.

How does the brain development of teenagers affect their decision-making?

Teenagers' brains are still developing, and they may struggle with 'hot cognition,' which involves emotions and typically a conflict between risk and reward. This can lead to impulsive and irrational decisions when things get emotional.

What is the trend regarding the legal age for certain activities in the past decade?

In the past decade, there has been a trend toward increasing the legal age for activities such as driving a car and buying cigarettes. Some states have also raised the age at which individuals can be tried as adults.

Which countries allow voting at the age of 16, and what is the situation in the United States regarding local elections?

Countries like Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Cuba, Ecuador, and Nicaragua allow voting at 16. In the United States, while the federal voting age is 18, three cities in Maryland have granted 16 and 17-year-olds the right to vote in local elections.

What are the arguments in favor of allowing 16-year-olds to vote?

Arguments in favor of allowing 16-year-olds to vote include the fact that they are affected by laws and pay taxes, they should have a stake in decisions that affect them such as school policy, and that voting in their first eligible election can set up voting as a habit.

How does the script suggest young people can get involved in politics if they can't vote?

The script suggests that young people can get involved in politics by educating themselves and their communities, organizing, and motivating their families and neighborhoods. It also mentions that teachers can engage students in discussions about this topic through platforms like KQED Learn.