Should Teens Be Allowed to Vote?

By: Nayeli Martinez '21

(Image courtesy of nytimes.com)

When you turn 18 you are seen as an adult. You can live independently, join the military, and of course, be allowed to vote. Whether or not 16-year-olds should be allowed to vote is an ongoing controversial topic today.

Many believe that at this age, 16-year-olds should be allowed to vote as some are very mature for their age. Many have just as much knowledge of politics and have the same ability to make good decisions as older citizens. When taking into account the threats these young teens live under, like school shootings, cyberbullying, and more, many believe they deserve to influence their elected officials.

Sofie Whitney, a survivor of a school shooting in Parkland, Florida, emphasizes, “If 16-year-old students are old enough to be affected by the laws, and realize that there is a problem, then they have the power to help change it.” In addition, at the age of 16, about 50 percent have jobs, according to the Employment and Unemployment Among Youth Summary.

However, there are many reasons why 16-year-olds shouldn’t vote. Many believe that they don’t have enough life experience to be granted such a big decision. Some argue that 16-year-olds are still dependent on their family and would be influenced by the voting choices of their parents.

Professors Tak Wing Chan, Ph.D., and Matthew Clayton, DPhil, state that 16 and 17-year-olds shouldn’t be allowed to vote because “neuroscience research suggests that the brain, specifically the prefrontal cortex, is still undergoing major reconstruction and development during the teenage years.” Voting is an important thing and some may be too young and naive to carry such a big responsibility.

According to ballotpedia.org, Proposition G would amend San Francisco City to grant 16 and 17-year-olds who are U.S citizens and residents of San Francisco the right to vote in local elections. As of right now, the proposition is likely to pass, as currently there is 50.80% for it and 49.2% against it. If the proposition passes, San Francisco will be the first major American city to give 16 and 17-year-olds the right to vote. While the debate continues, smaller cities have allowed 16-year-olds to vote in local elections for years. Cities like Takoma Park, Maryland, have proven to have positive results since its implementation in 2013, according to an article written by Haley Talbot and Julie Tsirkin.

Truthfully, I believe that 16-year-olds should be allowed to vote because they are the ones who have been involved in major political events. For example, 16-year-olds have marched for civil rights, stood up to gun violence, fought for climate change and other global issues, and more. I believe that if they are allowed to drive at that age and make a living out of their own pockets, they should have a voice on an issue that will affect them as well. Often, young people are impacted by political issues more than adults. Adults will never have to live with the dire effects of global warming nor fear for their lives when going to school.

However, others, like one SOCES senior, believe 16-year-olds should not be allowed to vote. “They are still very young and have a lot of growing to do. They only begin to build a foundation for their developing beliefs and their perspective on the world changes constantly.”

Whatever the case may be, it isn’t clear whether or not 16-year-olds should be allowed to vote. Many benefits and disadvantages are taken into consideration when thinking about this topic. What do you think? Are 16-year-olds capable of taking on such a big responsibility? Or are they too young to have much knowledge in politics and decision making?