Grimag

  • Flow
  • Anxiety & Worry
  • Stress
  • Arousal
  • Psychology
  • Videos
  • Pros and Cons
Home 6 Pros and Cons of Lowering The Voting Age

6 Pros and Cons of Lowering The Voting Age

The 26th Amendment to the United States Constitution does not allow the federal government and the states to use age as a primary reason not to allow any American citizen aged 18. In 1971, the U.S. already lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 and the latter is also the age citizens in most countries vote. However, there are other countries in Europe where people as young as 16 are legal to vote. Today, the debate of lowering the voting age in the country from 18 to 16 has surfaced. As expected, this has become a divisive issue with supporters and critics being for and against it. Here are their views worth looking into:

List of Pros of Lowering the Voting Age

1. Voice for the Younger Generation.
Supporters of this movement posit that students learn about politics and the government in schools and they are aware of the current events in the nation as well as government decisions. Letting young people vote at the age of 16 or 17 is a way to hear what the younger generation has to say. Moreover, giving these individuals an influential voice can lead to innovations in the government which can be in the best interest of the majority.

2. Successful Elections.
Proponents of lowering the voting age claim that the expanded electorate coming from 16 and 17 year-old citizens will increase the number of voter turnout. Some adults are not interested to vote and there are those who do not practice this right. By allowing more people to vote, the lost votes from people who opt not to vote will be filled in by these younger voters. Moreover, the percentage gaps of results among nominated officials will widen and votes will be divided. In the end, this is beneficial to the people because choices will be filtered.

3. Sense of Awareness.
Advocates for lowering the age to vote say that if people are given the right to vote at an early age such as 16, they will become more aware of what is happening in the country and will be more mature. This will also encourage them to participate more in politics and make wise decisions knowing that their votes matter.

List of Cons of Lowering the Voting Age

1. Lack of Maturity.
As opposed to what proponents say that lowering the voting age makes younger people mature, this move will not be good at all, according to critics, because 16-year olds might not be mature enough to vote and discern what is good and bad for the nation. Moreover, they are more interested in other activities such as growing up, socializing, video gaming and such. Additionally, if they are not allowed to consume alcohol in this age and parents are not confident in letting them drive or smoke, letting them vote is also not advisable.

2. Lack of Information.
Critics say that these are just teenagers who might not have enough experience in the world and lack the discernment to choose who the right leaders are. They may study a bit about the American history and the government but in general, they have not fully understood how politics work and might not be interested. Also, these students are just supposed to enjoy life and study without having to be dragged to issues about politics.

3. Age Too Young.
People who oppose lowering the voting age say that major decisions like presidential elections should not burden the minds of young people aged 17 and below. This is because the proposed voting age is too low and these young minds might be easily convinced to vote for leaders based on the opinions of other people like their peers and the influential people in their lives.

Voting plays a significant role in a nation’s economy and the lives of the citizens of a country. Lowering the voting age might have its drawbacks but it also gives the younger generation a voice which makes weighing its pros and cons utterly important.

Mar 7, 2016-Flow Psychology Editor
6 Pros and Cons of Legalizing Physician Assisted Suicide10 Pros and Cons of Mandatory Military Service
You Might Also Like
 
6 Pros and Cons of the Pass Fail Grading System
 
5 Pros and Cons of Savings Account
9 years ago Pros and ConsDangers vs. Benefits, List of Negative Effects
0
GooglePlus
0
Facebook
0
Twitter
0
Stumbleupon
0
Linkedin
0
Pinterest
Recent Posts
  • Only Child Characteristics
  • Does Music Affect Your Mood
  • Negative Motivation
  • Positive Motivation
  • External and Internal Locus of Control
  • How To Leave An Emotionally Abusive Relationship
  • The Ability To Move Things With Your Mind
  • How To Tell Is Someone Is Lying About Cheating
  • Interpersonal Attraction Definition
  • Napoleon Compex Symptoms
Archives
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • November 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
Recent Posts
  • Only Child Characteristics
  • Does Music Affect Your Mood
  • Negative Motivation
  • Positive Motivation
  • External and Internal Locus of Control
Categories
  • Anxiety & Worry
  • Apathy & Boredom
  • Arousal
  • Flow
  • Pros and Cons
  • Psychology
  • Stress
  • Videos
2014 © Flow Psychology Blog