Empowering our Youth: Why Voting Under 18 Makes Sense

The discussion of whether people under 18 should vote or not has been a controversial topic of debate for years. The requirements to vote in the U.S. currently require an individual to be at least 18 years old and a United States citizen. The UK has a voting age of 18 as well, but some countries such as Brazil and Guernsey have a voting age of 16. With the rise of social media, children have been exposed to political and social movements, which has inspired many of today’s youth to be involved and even passionate about these topics and ideas.
Many laws affect people who are under 18. For example, in West Virginia, if you acquire a work permit, you are already paying taxes. Without the ability to vote, you have no say in what that tax money is being used for. Bridging this gap by lowering the voting age can help reduce disparity in political representation.
Lowering the voting age could also encourage long-term civic participation. Learning the process of voting and instilling a habit of participating in politics and governmental awareness could lead to more votes being made. Altogether, this could strengthen the democratic foundation of our nation.
Voting is not only a right, but it is a way for individuals to truly feel as though they are a part of society. Allowing people who are under 18 to vote sends a message that their voices matter and they are valued members of society. This can foster a sense of belonging and connectedness, which is important for social cohesion.
The debate for allowing individuals to vote under 18 is grounded in the belief that participation in the democratic process should not be limited by an arguably arbitrary age. By giving us a voice in the decisions that affect our lives and our future, we can create a more informed and politically engaged generation. While concerns over maturity are valid, age does not always determine these qualities, and there are ways to address these concerns over education. It’s time for governments to genuinely consider lowering the voting age to ensure that young voices are heard so that democracy remains inclusive and thriving.