The Case For Lowering the Voting Age

 

Student Essay by Connor Piercey

The article The Case for Lowering the Voting Age, is written by a fourteen-year-old girl, Kathryn Zaia, who believes the legal voting age should be lowered to 16. When Kathryn first considered this issue, she thought it would be ridiculous to give teens this weighty of a responsibility when they often lack maturity. However,  after hearing about a worldwide march teens had put together to address gun violence, she has come to the conclusion that teens have the maturity and enthusiasm to make a difference in society and should be allowed to vote.. 

        Although there are many mature teens around the world who have great ideas and formulated opinions, I believe that we should be cautious about assuming they are ready to vote. The responsibilities entrusted to teens such as driver's licenses and certain privileges are given to prepare them for adult responsibilities, such as voting. Giving some teens the right to vote would be like giving your toddler a bike without training wheels after their first successful ride on their tricycle. Although we are impressed by the handful of teens on the news who are making history with ingenious inventions and winning awards for their intellect, we have to ask ourselves how many teens would base their political choices simply on emotion or media influence.? Many sixteen year olds may have valuable life experience, but adults have much more wisdom. Also, adults tend to vote according to the issues That are relevant to them.. If you give teens the right to vote, teens' interests and priorities would likely be different from those of their parents. Even though there are many bright teens who want the best for our country, a couple  years of development and experience will equip teens to take on the responsibility and privilege of voting.