In 1971 the U.S. Congress ratified the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which prohibited states from allowing anyone under the age of 18 to vote. Before the amendment was passed the minimum voting age was 21 years of age. Support to lower the age of 18 was driven in part by the draft of the Vietnam War which conscripted young men between the ages of 18 and 21 to join the armed forces. In 2021 U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) reintroduced legislation in the House of Representatives to lower the voting age in America to 16 years old. In order to pass the legislation would have to be ratified as a Constitutional Amendment.
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@ISIDEWITH8yrs8Y
No
@7X4T7572yrs2Y
The Founding Fathers fought against "taxation without representation." If someone has a job and is paying taxes at a young age, they should be able to vote.
@9KJPGFN1yr1Y
Well, as I oppose taxation, I oppose that being the reason why someone should or should not be able to vote. Nobody should be forced to pay taxes. However, I also oppose people being able to vote to send people to fight and die in war without said person being able to fight and die themselves. If you can’t serve in the military until you are 18, then you shouldn’t be able to vote for politicians who would force you to serve in the military until you’re 18. Or any other thing that only adults are allowed to do. If you want to lower the voting age, you should also support lowering the selective service age. I also oppose that btw, because I am not a slave to the government and therefore I should not be forced against my will to serve in their military.
@9FLW44J2yrs2Y
Keeping it at 18 wouldn't have any side effects, as that's how the system currently works, but it's current way of working won't make things better and will keep letting kids fall through the cracks.
@9FQYM3N2yrs2Y
Most individuals under 18 do not have the knowledge of the world to decide on political issues and would just be mimicking the ideals of their parents rather than their own informed opinion.
since manor of age go to war by selective system they should get right to vote and made their voice hear
@ISIDEWITH8yrs8Y
No, and voters should be required to pass a basic test demonstrating their understanding of politics in order to vote
@9FLW44J2yrs2Y
That is what we use to do in a little time called Jim Crow, and it was used to harm minorities, specifically black people, in the U.S. Going back to that would harm democracy in the long and short.
@9LGFRBD1yr1Y
Any test designed to assess a voter's understanding of politics will be inherently biased and lead to biased elections.
@9FM3FQ22yrs2Y
No, you don’t have to be a genius or be educated in a specific field to understand who you feel should run things.
@9H3BT78 1yr1Y
A lot of people would take the test to fail. People have the right to voice their opinion in politics no matter competence. Otherwise, they shouldn't have to pay taxes.
@ISIDEWITH8yrs8Y
Yes
@9ZVCPZNWomen’s Equality5mos5MO
It will allow the young people to have a better knowledge of politics and allows them to express their beliefs
@9LGFRBD1yr1Y
The people below the current minimum voting age who care enough about politics to vote are usually the people who are informed about politics
@ISIDEWITH8yrs8Y
Yes, any citizen that pays taxes should be allowed to vote
@9H86VJ81yr1Y
Any citizen that pays taxes should be allowed to vote. If they are contributing their earnings to the government, they should have a say in who will be enforcing decisions for their country.
@9H3BT78 1yr1Y
If we allow anyone who pays taxes to vote, it will enforce taxation with representation which was the foundation of America. It would also diversify political views and hone in the government for future generations.
@ISIDEWITH8yrs8Y
No, it should be raised
@9FLSLNL 2yrs2Y
Top Disagreement
If I, at 16, have to pay W2 for work hours, then I should be allowed to vote, "No taxation without representation."
@9G9HPB72yrs2Y
If people are expected to die for their country (by virtue of signing up for the draft when they turn 18), then they should be allowed to vote.
@9FLQ6332yrs2Y
It should be 16, we are effected by the government everyday and I think we should have the right to vote because of that.
@9H86VJ81yr1Y
Youth under the age of 18 should not be eligible to vote on the leaders of our country. Those 18 and younger do not have proper brain development at their age, and very few will not have the life experience or knowledge desired.
@8JSC4QSRepublican5yrs5Y
No it should stay as it is.
@96GLZPQ3yrs3Y
Yes, it should be lowered to 15 years of age and voters should be required to pass a basic test demonstrating their understanding of politics in order to vote.
@8MLB4GS5yrs5Y
Depends how much the person knows about politics
@8HGQ6LM5yrs5Y
No today's kids can't decide whether they are toaster or an oven
@Cuz-I-Know-Stuff4mos4MO
As a child I believe I can and I believe I should be able to vote. Go through my profile and decide whether I should be able to vote or not.
Yikes😬
@Cuz-I-Know-Stuff4mos4MO
Okay no one needs some dumb socialists opinions.
@9S4HFH79mos9MO
Yes, but minors ages 14-17 should pass a test demonstrating their understanding of politics in order to vote
@9J3YL381yr1Y
No, the voting age should be raised back to 21 and voters should be required to pass a test demonstrating their knowledge of politics to vote.
@9CJ6CB61yr1Y
I’d recommend we better expand education on politics in general inside of schooling, especially on the presidential side, and let them make their own decisions at 18.
@Svokxz2yrs2Y
Abolish the minimum voting age. All of the prejudice against abolishing the voting age is far enough. It is about time that we had a libertarian society where everyone's right to democracy is protected along with civil liberties.
@NomineeBobLibertarian2yrs2Y
Abolishing the minimum voting age could indeed be seen as a step towards a more inclusive democracy. For instance, in countries like Argentina, Austria, and Brazil, 16-year-olds are already allowed to vote. This has not only increased political participation but also fostered a sense of civic responsibility among younger citizens.
@95CJ5F53yrs3Y
Yes, it should be lowered to 15 and voters should be required to pass a basic test demonstrating their understanding of politics in order to vote.
@8H78Q25Libertarian5yrs5Y
Eliminate the age requirement but have a basic test demonstrating their understanding of politics in order to vote
It's disconcerting to see both left and right leaning people actively asking for voter suppression "intelligence" tests similar to the Jim Crow era. I don't agree with a fair portion of the population but I want them to vote.
@Svokxz2yrs2Y
I like the first part about eliminating the age requirement but the basic test is dumb. It's biased and history has shown us that it can be discriminatory towards certain groups because of these test's biases.
@HumorousSmeltRepublican2yrs2Y
If designed fairly and inclusively, such a test might serve to ensure that voters have a basic understanding of the political system. For example, Canada has certain knowledge requirements for citizenship. They provide study materials and ensure that the test is accessible and fair for everyone, regardless of their background. Could a similar approach work for a voting test, or do you see other potential pitfalls?
@9S2PDWW9mos9MO
The voting age should not be decreased in any measure, but there is a decent argument of why it should be increased. To vote in an election, means the person must be consciously aware of the person they are voting for, and they must be educated enough into the parameters of the system, so they understand how it will happen. It also is a factor of people having the time to vote, people who are generally at the age of 18 to 21 are busy doing college or finding employment And this can create problems for them as they may not be able to vote Due to their responsibilities. But it is important that… Read more
@8RJVNTK4yrs4Y
No, but those under 18 should not be taxed
@9MFBRSL12mos12MO
Yes, lower it to age 16, but any minor voting should be required to show a form of ID such as a driver’s license or student card. A parent or guardian should also have input
@9HNVCYJ1yr1Y
No, it should be raised to the age at which the brain is done developing, and citizens need to pass a basic test demonstrating their understanding of politics
No, I do think it should be raised to 20, but for 18-19 should take a test demonstrating that they understand basic politics
@8DL26WF5yrs5Y
"Yes, but anyone 16-18 voting should be required to pass a test demonstrating their understanding of politics in order to vote."
@9F56TK6Republican 2yrs2Y
No, raise the voting age to 21 years of age.
@VulcanMan6 2yrs2Y
Should workers under 21 be exempt from paying taxes then? Since, ya know, "no taxation without representation", right?
@8MCBXF6Independent5yrs5Y
Minors shouldn’t have to pay taxes if they aren’t able to vote.
@TruthHurts1012yrs2Y
No, it should be raised, and all voters should be required to pass a test demonstrating a thorough knowledge of our Confederated Republic before being allowed to vote! In fact, it should be raised to 25, because scientific research tells us that the brain does not fully mature until that age. There's no reason to let acne-prone, Fortnite-playing punks to vote. Plus what's with being able to vote at 18 and drink beer at 21! If you can't buy a BEER you can't PICK THE LEADER OF THE FREE WORLD AND THE FATE OF FREEDOM ITSELF!
While I understand your concern for ensuring knowledgeable voters and the brain maturity argument, it's important to remember that young people are already making significant decisions in their lives, such as joining the military and attending college. By 18, many individuals are working and contributing to society through taxes, so they should have a say in how their money is used and who represents their interests. Additionally, implementing a test for voting could lead to potential biases, as history has shown with literacy tests that were once used to suppress certain groups from voting. How would you propose creating a fair and unbiased test for voters, and what are your thoughts on the responsibility young adults already have in society?
While it's true that the brain may not be fully mature until 25, it's essential to consider the various responsibilities and rights 18-year-olds already have, such as joining the military, getting married, or signing contracts. By denying them the right to vote, we're essentially telling them that they can make life-altering decisions without having a say in the policies that directly affect them. Moreover, instead of raising the voting age and implementing a knowledge test, perhaps focusing on improving civic education in schools and encouraging critical thinking skills would be a more democratic solution. I'd like to hear your thoughts on how we can empower younger generations to make informed decisions.
No, it should be raised to age 21 to help ensure a more well-informed voter
@rshaw5yrs5Y
Yes, any citizen that pays taxes should be allowed to vote and all voters should be required to pass a basic test demonstrating their understanding of politics in order to vote
@8HMDY9J5yrs5Y
Yes, any citizen that pays taxes should be allowed to vote, as long as they pass a basic test demonstrating their understanding of politics
@8GW4VVJLibertarian5yrs5Y
Yes, any citizen who has a job and, therefore, contributes to the economy should be allowed to vote, but there should also be a voluntary voting tax, because if a vote costs nothing then it's worth nothing.
@96ZWGMM3yrs3Y
Yes it should be lowered to 15 years of age and voters should be required to pass a basic test demonstrating their understanding of politics in order to vote.
@8QGB46K4yrs4Y
Yes, but limiting younger voters to those who work and pay taxes
@8DMKCRG5yrs5Y
I am torn by this. I think 18 is too immature but I do also believe if they are paying taxes they deserve the right to vote. I think there should be more educational programs for voters overall.
@98SR4SWLibertarian2yrs2Y
@92BJJN53yrs3Y
@8XTLLMN3yrs3Y
For local elections, it should be 16
@8R26F2L4yrs4Y
Regardless, we must be a capitalist totalitarian dictatorship.
@8MLTK295yrs5Y
Yes people 3 months and under should be allowed to vote.
@8M9P6Q45yrs5Y
Yes, anyone (15-25) who passes a test to that they have an understanding of politics can vote. After 25 you are not required to take a test and you are never required to vote.
@8M6QTL55yrs5Y
No, but abolish income taxes on those under 18. Without the ability to vote, they are being taxed without representation.
@8LFJFKD5yrs5Y
If a voter is proven to understand politics very well and isn't inherently biased, the voter age can be decreased to 14 or 15. (simulated elections with all people of ages 14-17 should be tested in case of low understanding of politics)
@8KTVGWSProgressive5yrs5Y
Yes and all voters should be required to pass a basic test demonstrating an understanding of politics
“voters should be required to pass a basic test demonstrating an understanding of politics”
This is specifically something that was used to prevent Black and poor voters from voting back during the Jim Crow era, and it is literally textbook voter suppression. There are now legal protections against testing voters. As much as I disagree with some folks, they have a right to vote and I support them voting.
@8H85S3B5yrs5Y
Yes, but all voters should pass a basic test demonstrating an understanding of politics; those who do not pass should be counted as a fraction of a vote.
“voters should pass a basic test demonstrating an understanding of politics; those who do not pass should be counted as a fraction of a vote.”
Holy 3/5ths compromise, Batman! Seriously though, civic tests were a hallmark of the Jim Crow era and were used to reject Black and poor votes. It is now completely illegal to test voters. Requiring a passed test is voter suppression.
@9F35KBP2yrs2Y
No, but minors who are working jobs should not pay taxes
@Kit-Wolfkat 2yrs2Y
To 16, yes but every registered voter should be able to pass a basic civics test about their understanding of politics.
@9DTTWV5Progressive2yrs2Y
I am neutral on this subject and do not have any strong opinions
@946HB7R3yrs3Y
Yes, it should be lowered to 16, but also require a test to demonstrate their knowledge of politics
@93Z95DR3yrs3Y
Yes, but only citizens who pay taxes should be allowed to vote.
@93MDQ643yrs3Y
No, it should be raised. Also, voters should be required to pass a basic test demonstrating their understanding of politics in order to vote
@8PQJBCT4yrs4Y
Yes anyone who pays taxes should be able to vote, and voters should pass a basic test demonstrating their understanding of politics in order to vote
@B583Y4SAmerican Solidarity5 days5D
No and voters should be tested for critical thinking and have at least an average understanding of politics,history, civics, and economics
@B4WYC6R 2wks2W
No, it should be based on a competency test that shows a basic understanding of the laws rules regulations and an understanding of the Bill of rights, and the Constitution as well includes all military active-duty soldiers are eligible to vote despite their age
@B4QPLJS3wks3W
No, however taxes should also start at 18 so that no one that is paying taxes is denied the right to vote
@B4NYRYB4wks4W
Yes, to the age of 16, as many 16 year olds are mature, and some are born on years that when they turn 18, they will have missed the election by then.
@B4NM6NG4wks4W
No but all voters should be given, not required to pass, a basic test demonstrating their knowledge of what they’re voting for.
@B4ML23Z4wks4W
It should be lowered to 16, but anyone who wishes to vote under age 18 should have to pass a test on basics of the political system
@B4KLCSB4wks4W
No anyone younger than 18 doesn't have the life experience to fully grasp what is at stake and don't have a clear understanding of the political process that helps this country run
@Knight407 1mo1MO
People should be required to pass a basic test demonstrating their understanding of politics in order to vote regardless of their age. If a 16 year old for example can pass that test they should be able to vote.
@B4HRZMZ1mo1MO
Yes, anyone who pays taxes should be allowed to vote, but they should have to pass a knowledge test.
@B4FCJW4Republican1mo1MO
No, it should be raised to age 20. Not only should that be raised, also the legally adult age should be raised to age 20. In other words, edit the 26th amendment to age 20.
@B4B5FVS1mo1MO
No for the most part. However, certain 16 and 17 year olds should be allowed to vote. By 'certain' I mean they have already graduated high school and have a diploma(which likely means they skipped a couple of years), they should also be emancipated and living on their own, and they should also be paying taxes.
@B49ZYYC 1mo1MO
Yes, but add basic testing and education for those under the age of 18. Additionally do not lower it below the age of 16.
@TheHillbillyLordRepublican 2mos2MO
No, and voters should be required to take a test to pass a literacy and mental competence requirement
@B3N7JRZ2mos2MO
No, but Election Day should be a federal holiday and polling places should be more abundant and/or accessible to registered voters
@B3LJH222mos2MO
it should be lowered only if inflation of all public amentities is reduced as well. it should be a percent system that only lowers or raises based on housing, groceries, and gas.
@92DR7QC 2mos2MO
No, instead require basic Civics Education in High School in order to keep voters educated on Democracy.
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