"16-YEARS-OLDS ARE IMMATURE" 

The argument that a 16-year-old is not mature enough to vote does not hold. Although it is often argued that the adolescent brain is still developing, research shows that it is mostly impulse decisions and risk taking that have a higher incidence among young people. Voting, meanwhile, is a thoughtful act based on an opinion formed over a period of months or even years. In addition, 16-year-olds are already treated as adults in many ways in society, for example, having taxable income and the right to drive a car. At the same time, young people are expected to comply with the law without giving them the right to vote on the elected officials who control this legislation.

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“IF 18-YEAR-OLDS DON’T VOTE, WHY WOULD 16-YEAR-OLDS?”

 

It is much harder to guide an 18-year-old through the current system versus a 16-year-old who is still in school. In addition, many young people who do not vote cite lack of knowledge as an excuse. By adjusting the school curriculum, these people would become more confident voters.

 

“16-YEAR-OLDS DON’T KNOW ENOUGH ABOUT POLITICS”

 

Unfortunately, this problem is not limited to teenagers. That is why we are asking for an adjustment of the school curriculum to include civic education in a more formal way. Instead of lamenting that young people are not informed enough, find ways to remedy the situation! Lowering the voting age would provide an opportunity to educate a new segment of the population for the future and could even encourage family discussion on the subject, which may positively influence parents to also become better informed.

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“16-YEAR-OLDS ARE TOO EASILY INFLUENCED”

 

Anyone can be influenced. The idea in lowering the voting age to 16 is to educate young people about voting in the classroom so that society as a whole can make informed decisions. Teachers have a moral responsibility to teach critical thinking to their students, which will be reflected in society over the long term.