Should the Voting Age in the United States Be Lowered?
Should the Voting Age in the United States Be Lowered?
Recently, there has been an ongoing debate regarding the voting age in the United States. Why would Republicans, who previously pushed for voter suppression, now seek to disenfranchise millions of American voters? Is it to protect their interests or to impose a significant barrier on younger individuals who could sway the outcomes of elections?
Arguments for a Higher Voting Age
Some argue that setting the voting age at 25 is more appropriate, with the exception of those who have completed at least three years of honorable military service. Additionally, politicians and government employees should not be allowed to vote, except for first responders. Individuals with felony convictions should also have to apply to the courts for the restoration of their voting rights, 10 years after completing their sentences including parole and probation. This ensures that those who have served their sentences and made amends have a chance to participate in the democratic process.
Arguments for a Lower Voting Age
On the contrary, why are we so concerned about the immaturity of individuals who turn 18 at a time when they still rely on their parents? At 18, many people are not fully prepared to understand the complex issues at stake in politics due to their lack of real-world experience. They may still be living with their parents and lacking the necessary life skills to make informed decisions. Their perspectives are often influenced by their parents, tutors, or peers.
The UK's Example
In the United Kingdom, the minimum voting age is 18, but the legal and rights landscape for 16-year-olds is quite extensive. Here are some of the things 16-year-olds can do:
Give consent to medical, dental, and surgical treatment, including contraceptive advice and treatment. Leave school as long as they turn 16 by the end of the summer holidays, and they must stay in full-time education, start an apprenticeship, or work or volunteer part-time for 20 hours a week until they are 18. Enroll in free full-time further education at school, sixth form college, or city technology college. Participate in sexual activities with a partner who is also 16. Claim benefits and obtain a National Insurance number. Apply for legal aid. Drink alcohol with an adult in a pub or restaurant. Drive a moped with a maximum power of 50cc and a provisional license, or drive an invalid vehicle with a license and a mowing machine. Work as a street trader and/or sell scrap metal. Choose their own doctor. Join the armed forces with parental or carer consent. Move out of the family home with parental permission, if under 17, Social Services may apply for a Care Order. Rent accommodation with a required guarantor until age 18. Pay for prescription charges unless pregnant, on income support, or in full-time education. Order a passport. Receive a youth rehabilitation order if convicted but not given a custodial sentence. Play the National Lottery and buy premium bonds. Fly a glider. Buy liqueur chocolates.Given these responsibilities, it might be argued that 16-year-olds have a sufficient grasp of the issues and can contribute to the political process. Their vote, after all, affects the real world, despite their age. Locking them out of the voting process for another two years essentially means they have no say in the government they will inherit and which will potentially govern them for five more years.
Conclusion
The age of 18 may be too high for individuals who are already grappling with numerous responsibilities and duties. Lowering the voting age could empower a greater segment of the population to have a say in their government, ensuring a more inclusive and representative democracy. As such, it is important to continue the debate and consider the broader implications of setting the voting age for the United States.