Sixteen and Sovereign

There’s much anticipated excitement around getting your first I Voted sticker in the United States. Throughout high school, this simple yet monumental item is plastered everywhere by students—water bottles, computers, phone cases, and even cars. 

But what if this milestone came sooner? Instead of requiring young people to wait until 18 to substantially participate in politics, lowering the voting age to 16 (the age of existing pre-registration policies) would empower youth to be civically engaged, fostering lifelong political awareness and responsibility. 

26th Amendment

For many Americans, their first sip of alcohol came alongside the first bubble they filled on a ballot. This is because the voting age in the United States was not always 18; it was originally 21. 

During various wars in America, from WWII to Vietnam, a movement emerged advocating for lowering the age to vote from 21 to 18. Instead of voting stickers, the statement “old enough to fight, old enough to vote” was circulated through society. 

Advocacy for a younger voting age had long been an opinion many felt strongly about, and in 1971, the ratification of the 26th Amendment finally occurred. Section 1 of this amendment states, “The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.” This crucial change recognized the contemporary concern that young people were affected by political decisions and mature enough to shape them.

A very important thing to note about this law is the fluidity of its wording. It doesn’t define 18 as the minimum age; rather, it prevents states from denying civilians over the age of 18 to cast their ballot. It guarantees voting rights to those who are 18+, but doesn’t explicitly prohibit extending such rights to younger citizens. This means the stipulations towards voting age are adaptable, and constitutional forms of change are viable. Just as the nation once lowered the age from 21 to 18, it is reasonable and legally possible to reconsider changing it once again. 

Legality

This raises the important legal question: do states have the right and ability to lower the voting age? The 26th Amendment guarantees that citizens 18 and older cannot be denied the right to vote, and gives Congress the power to enforce this. It sets a minimum age that must be protected, not a maximum age that can’t be changed. 

Section 2 of the amendment says, “The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.” The Constitution gives states broad power to manage their own elections, in change, giving them the ability to lower the age as desired. Federal law sets some limits, but states control many other rules. 

Because of this, states can legally extend voting rights to 16 year olds. Internationally, there is precedent. Countries like Austria have already done so, receiving spikes in both political interest, and voter turnout. Examples like this prove that such a change is possible and beneficial. 

16 - year - old Competence

Many oppose this argument as a whole and argue that 16 year olds are not mature enough to vote. They claim that teenagers at this stage lack life experience, independence, or knowledge needed to make decisions that quite literally change the lives of millions. 

However, according to UNICEF, “a significant proportion of scientists in the neurodevelopmental field have argued that lowering the voting age is in line with current evidence around adolescent brain development.” Young adults are fully competent and capable of making major decisions, and should be allowed to do just that. 

People also worry that young voters are heavily influenced by parents, teachers, and friends. Others believe that voting is something “adults” do, and should remain so.

Many 16 year olds have political opinions and want to voice their feelings officially because at the end of the day, they too are affected by those elected into office just as much as the 18 year olds are. 

I’m sure we’ve all walked into a fast food restaurant or store at a local mall and seen a young adult working behind the counter. A core part of America’s current labor landscape is undoubtedly made up of 16 and 17 year olds. According to USAFacts, almost 7 million teenagers were in the nation’s labor force in 2023. Policies around taxes, labor laws, wages, and economics affect them as much as anyone else. Perhaps the slogan for 2026 should scream “old enough to work, old enough to vote.”

Conclusion

As Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley once said, “The time has come. Our young people deserve to have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote.” She is right, the time has come for change. 

Many believe this step is a far reach, claiming 16-year-olds are filled with immaturity and unformed opinions. However, this is simply not true. Allowing them to earn their first I Voted sticker would strengthen democracy and empower the new generation to be civically engaged and responsible citizens. 

We did it once 55 years ago, and we can certainly do it again. 

Image source: Pexels