Advantages and Disadvantages of Lowering the Voting Age to Thirteen

Advantages and Disadvantages of Lowering the Voting Age to Thirteen

In most nations, the minimum voting age is set at eighteen years (Grover 2011, p. 3). In the past, the minimum age to vote was twenty one years, but after several debates, this was lowered to eighteen years. When individuals reach this age, they are considered to be adults. As an adult, one should be able to analyze different situations, think critically, and thus make wise decisions. Every decision leads to some consequences. Regardless of the consequences, whether negative or positive, the responsible adult can be held accountable for them. This is the reason that the minimum voting age limit has been set at eighteen years in many states (Grover 2011, p. 3).

Currently, there are ongoing discussions about whether to lower the voting age further. At first, the minimum voting age being considered was sixteen years (Grover 2011, p. 4). The latest debate talks of lowering the voting age to thirteen years. Reducing the minimum voting age from eighteen to thirteen years has several advantages and disadvantages associated with this change.

Advantages of lowering the Voting Age to Thirteen Years

Young people have a unique way of looking at things. This special quality is lost as the child gets older. The uniqueness may compel them to vote for certain people who they feel will be able to address their issues better, something that older adults may not do because they are unduly influenced by other factors (Grover 2011, p. 45). It is also argued that generally youths can vote wisely, since they too are able to make good decisions on their own.

Youths of today mature faster than they did in the past (Grover 2011, p. 47). Their quick growth and maturity can be attributed to a number of factors, such as exposure to platforms from where they lean the realities of life with great speed.

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