Pros And Cons Of Lowering The Voting Age

The age at which one is eligible to vote has been a source of heated discussions and debates. Should the voting age be lowered? Should it remain at age 18?

If the voting age is lowered, it is true that a higher voter turnout would be a result. Other countries such as Belgium, Germany, and Austria have a lower voting age and enjoy a higher percentage of voter turnout. Belgium ranks at 93% voter participation, while the U.S. trails behind at just 38% turnout in congressional elections. These facts seem to indicate that a lower voting age has a direct impact on voter participation. However, there is no concrete proof that a lower voting age directly impacts voter turnout. I believe the problem lies deeper than age.

The problem facing

us is a lack of civic resopsibility among the country's youger generation. A U.S Census Buraeu report indictated that a mere 38% of voters between the ages of 18 and 24 voted in the 2012 elections. By contrast, 70% of older voters took part in the 2012 elections. These numbers strongly point to a irresponsible attitude among the nation's younger voters. This mentality is the true issue we are faced with. Lowering the voting age may return a slightly higher voter participation percentage, but the slightly elevated percentage would not justify a lower voting age.
It is my opinion that the voting age should remain at age 18. People below this age seem to have a lower maturity level than those above 18. This lower maturity level would hinder their ability to cast an educated vote in an election. Maintaining the current voting age will not solve all of our problems by any means. It will, however, prevent any new issues that may arise from a lower eligible voting age.