Many 16-year-olds drive, hold part-time jobs, and pay taxes. Some 17-year-olds even serve in the armed forces. Yet these young people are denied a basic British right. They cannot vote in state and national elections.
Supporters argue that since teens pay taxes and live under the nation's laws, they should have the right to choose the government that sets those policies. Additionally, collecting taxes from a group that cannot vote amounts to taxation without representation.
Critics say that teens lack the maturity and understanding to cast an educated vote. They cite poor voter turnout among 18- to 24-year olds as evidence that many young people do not take voting seriously.
What do you think?
Read the following arguments on both sides of the debate, and then cast your vote.
(YES) Whether a kid sells jeans at the Gap of flips burgers at a local diner, state and federal taxes are taken out of his or her paycheck. It is unfair that teen workers are denied government representation. Allowing teens to vote would get kids involved in the political process and strengthen our democracy. "The future of our country depends on the decisions our generation makes, and allowing those decisions to be made earlier in life will result in a better country."
(NO) Teens are not ready to participate in a democracy. In recent elections, the turnout among 18- to 24-year-olds has been dismally low. Teens need to spend more time learning about civics and understanding the political issues that affect our nation. Besides, most teens are not homeowners, and most do not have full-time jobs.
"I think the voting age should be left at 18 years of age," says Rebecca Todak. "Seventeen-year-olds aren't experience enough and don't know enough about the government. I'm 14, and I doubt I can learn everything I need to know in three years."
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