1 of 102

No

Write now Article Tools

18 years of age is the voting eligibility age in most democracies and the present generation of teenagers is arguably better informed than any that came before them. Our society as a whole has better access to the information needed to make an informed decision. Widespread political coverage in the news and on the internet has seen to that. Teenagers are no exception. An average 18 year old has been exposed to the political system in civics classes and American history classes throughout their educational careers, and the conclusion must be that he or she should have the knowledge necessary to vote.

Whether an 18 year old can be trusted with such a decision can be argued, but leads us into deeper waters. The general consensus is that teenagers often make decisions that most people would classify as ill advised. So the argument could be made that they are not mature enough to vote. If we are going to apply this rationale to voting, however, then we will need to apply it to other areas as well.

If an 18 year old cannot be trusted to vote, then we certainly cannot allow them to make the decision risk their lives in military service. In fact, the conscription and subsequent deaths of many 18 year olds in the Vietnam War had an influence on the ratification of the twenty-sixth amendment to the Constitution, which made eighteen the national voting age.

If we judge that they do not have the decision making capacity to elect a leader, then can we try them as adults for the criminal activities they have decided to join in. An eighteen year old is fully responsible for his or her actions, and that must include the voting decision. And if they are not allowed to vote, we certainly cannot ask them to pay taxes.

Finally, I think it would be a loss to society if we were to lose the votes of the 18 year old population. Perhaps more than at any other age in life, a teenager is idealistic. The pressures and realities of life may not have biased opinions in one direction or the other. At this age and for the few years following, many individuals find themselves in college associating with groups of the same opinions and outlooks. It would be a shame to deny them the opportunity to elect their future government while expecting them to prepare adequately for their own future. We need the fresh viewpoint of the 18 year olds and we need their vote.

Learn more about this author, Eric Wolf.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Is eighteen too young to vote??
We want to hear your view. Write now!