Voting age: Am I too young to vote?
By: SiEun, Year 9
Today, we are in the era, where teenagers enjoy more freedom and rights compared to the past. Teenagers now earn their driver's licenses, find employment for financial independence, and even pay their taxes. However, in most countries, individuals under the age of 18 are still denied the right to vote. Currently, public opinion is divided on whether the voting age should be lowered or raised. While some argue for a lower voting age to achieve a more egalitarian society, others contend that individuals do not reach full maturity until the age of 25, suggesting that they lack the wisdom necessary to make informed voting decisions.
It is important to acknowledge that teenagers, particularly 16-year-olds, possess knowledge about politics and have the same capacity as adults and older voters to make appropriate decisions when it comes to voting. Research indicates that teenagers aged 16 and 17 already possess civic knowledge and cognitive abilities to make responsible choices. A study comparing the qualities associated with voting among adults and teenagers under 18 found no significant differences between the two groups. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that voting largely relies on information processing, which does not necessarily require emotional or social context, but rather relies on cold cognition. By the age of 15 or 16, teenagers have typically developed effective cold cognition skills, which generally reach maturity and do not improve further. Thus, it can be argued that 16 and 17-year-olds possess the same level of intelligence as legal adults and should have full access to the voting system, utilizing their knowledge and skills to contribute to society and freely express their opinions. Clever votes from diverse age groups can bring forth more creative solutions and broaden the public's perspective.
Lowering the voting age can lead to increased voter participation and challenge fixed opinions surrounding the idea of voting. It can also foster greater engagement between the public and the government. Voting is a habit, and individuals who have been voting since they first became eligible are more open-minded to the concept and have already formed the habit. Conversely, those who have never voted require some time to develop the habit. The younger individuals are when they first vote, the easier it will be for them to establish this habit. Additionally, research shows that 16-year-olds, when given the opportunity to vote, exhibit higher voting rates than older adults who have never voted. Granting the right to vote to young teenagers would not only increase overall voter turnout but also encourage older individuals who have yet to vote to cast their ballots.
In a democratic society, no vote should be considered wrong. Each individual vote has a significant impact on the outcome, often leading to conflicts. While some people believe that there are ignorant individuals who vote carelessly, relying on unreliable sources and failing to consider the consequences society will face, it is important to note that disenfranchisement should not be the consequence of ignorance. Every vote should be valued. As mentioned earlier, teenagers possess the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions. They deserve the right to contribute their opinions to society.
Lowering the voting age has numerous benefits, including reinforcing teenage rights, cultivating a culture of voting, and empowering mature teenagers who are fully capable of making informed choices. With a slight reduction in the age requirement, we can expect significant positive changes. Individuals will be able to freely express their opinions, creating a healthier world for present and future generations, all while striving for a better future.
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