As adolescents become more interested in activism, lowering the voting age to 16 is an increasingly popular idea in many local governments. Several towns and cities across the country have opened polling booths to people aged 16 and older, and such a change deserves consideration in Amherst, too.
Many adolescents play important roles in their communities. Sixteen- and 17-year-olds who are employed pay taxes, despite having little or no say in how that tax money is spent. High school students engage in community service, which, in all respects, qualifies as active participation in society. Some youth even participate in local government meetings.
Adolescents repeatedly prove that they are capable of making meaningful contributions to society. Doesn’t it make sense to allow 16-year-olds to vote in a society that they are such an important part of?
Legitimate problems can arise from lowering the voting age. Studies show that teenagers are learning about and experimenting with the world that they live. In a functioning society, it is important that people make rational, thought out decisions. With that in mind, a developing brain does not seem well-suited for important decision-making.
However, a central component of democracy is the equal right of all people to vote, and a growing mind should not completely disqualify people aged 16 from voting. This problem could be solved by creating public civics classes for anyone under the age of 16 who registers to vote, much like driver’s education classes.
As young people become increasingly engaged in politics, it is clear that teenagers are capable of making informed, independent decisions. People aged 16 and older show a willingness to be community members, and it is the responsibility of a functioning democracy to hear the voices of everyone. I turn 16 soon and hope that, with the help of people of all ages, I will be allowed to vote.
Amherst should consider lowering the voting age in local elections to 16.
George Prodanas
Amherst