We have seen much debate on the topic of whether the voting age should be lowered or remain the same. There are good arguments for both sides of the issue but, upon closer inspection it becomes clear that no change should take place. As a matter of fact, it should be raised. It seems that the vast majority of teens know little to nothing about decision-making or politics because they are still in the process of learning all these things. Having a sixteen year old – the most commonly referenced age for change – vote for important positions would most likely result in revealing voting trends that show that this age group votes for who their friends vote for rather than a true vote based on policies or platforms.
If we allow immature and uninformed people to vote, the elections will be swayed by the minds of inexperienced people who don’t have the slightest idea about politics and who, in all likelihood, don’t care who their president or governor is.
Of course, it is not just teenagers who don’t care about politics, according to civicyouth.org, as statistics show that only 45% of young people age 18-29 voted in 2012, down from 51% in 2008. When you are 18, you are considered an adult so you are ready to make decisions on your own, but it seems that at this age – and until the age of 25 – that only applies to about half of the people. Some might argue that allowing teens to vote allows them to have a say in their future, but they should wait to have a say. It’s better to wait until they have more knowledge and the ability to think for themselves. Others also argue that if teens can drive and go to R-rated movies they should be able to vote, but these topics are completely different from voting. Voting is important and our community and nation needs people who actually care and know about the world to choose the leaders who shape the future.

Some groups that are trying to work to have the voting age lowered. According to The Washington Times, a national movement to grant more teens the right to vote scored its first victory this week with the passage of legislation in Takoma Park, to lower the voting age in municipal elections to 16. But momentum continued Wednesday as advocates in Massachusetts spoke at the state house in favor of allowing 17-year-olds to vote. Activists have made a number of attempts across the country in recent years to grant more teens access to the polls. They point to the change in Takoma Park as a potential springboard for movements elsewhere. But in the end, I don’t feel these efforts will be effective in actually lowering the voting age.