Top 10 Reasons Why Kids Under the Age of 18 Should Be Allowed to Vote In Government Elections

You've probably heard the argument that voting should be reserved for adults, but have you ever stopped to question why? There's a growing debate about lowering the voting age, and for good reason. Young people under 18 are affected by government decisions just as much as adults, yet they have no say in the laws, policies, and leaders shaping their futures.

Kids and teenagers already take on responsibilities that require critical thinking, maturity, and awareness of the world around them. Many work jobs, pay taxes, and even drive cars, but they still can't vote. Meanwhile, older adults who may be out of touch with modern issues get a say in everything from education to climate policy. That doesn't exactly seem fair, does it?

This list breaks down the strongest arguments for letting younger people vote. Some focus on fairness, others on the fact that young people today are more informed and engaged than ever before. Whatever your opinion, you can help decide which points deserve the most attention by voting for the ones you think are the best.
The Top Ten
Kids are smart and responsible enough to vote

I believe there is no difference in intelligence between the ages of 17 and 18. One single day can apparently change the way society views you. The second you become 18 years old, you are seen as an adult, responsible and all-knowing.

Voting at a young age will encourage younger people to study and gain knowledge on politics, economics, and economic development. More young people will want to vote as they gain knowledge on how countries and governments work.

I strongly believe that a 16-year-old can be smarter than a fifty-year-old. The younger generation is the most educated yet, with harder tests and more topics being taught. Someone who has not been in the education system for 30 years is likely to forget key information and be less intelligent than when they graduated.

If kids are responsible enough to drive at 16, then they are surely responsible enough to vote before 18

People are allowed to drive cars at 16, yet you can't vote until 18? That's totally messed up.

When you think about it, cars can be dangerous. They are loud, extremely heavy, and can cause devastating damage. Handling something that powerful is a big responsibility, yet young people manage it.

So why can't we handle standing in a line for a few minutes, writing something down in seconds, and going home? Do you see how that logic is seriously broken?

Adults who claim they're "smarter" than kids voted for Donald Trump

In some cases, a 7-year-old could be smarter than a 20-year-old. It all depends on how the person acts and speaks. Some might say becoming an adult makes you more responsible and smart, but that is not always true.

This item is similar to #1 but different in many ways. (But it's still a point!)

True. If you're, say, 17, and your birthday is 1 to 2 months after the election, you should be allowed to vote. I'm not saying a 3-year-old should vote. I'm saying a person who is 17 with a tiny gap between 18 years should vote.

Kids are faster learners than you'd think. I've talked to kids before, and they've given some wise answers. I think kids are smarter now than they used to be.

Kids are just as important as adults

Why does the mind of a 17-year-old not matter when an 18-year-old's mind does?

You can drive, join the army, and get married before you can vote! I'm not saying 5-year-olds should vote, but maybe 12-year-olds should be allowed to vote. If they understand politics, let them vote!

Why do adults think that kids will just goof around and get in the way? We kids are equal!

Kids should be able to vote because it's not fair that adults can.

The ability to vote would give kids more political education

Sometimes it seems like children remember things adults do not. However, adults have a better memory, meaning the ability to remember more information more accurately and for longer periods. Children are better than adults in many ways.

There is no reason to insist that adults are more capable of making ethical judgments. Children don't make assumptions. They have more complete trust and can live simple lives.

Kids should vote because they are just as important as adults. Being 18 does not necessarily mean being smart. Adults who claim they are smarter than kids voted for Trump. The ability to vote would give more kids political education.

It is inequality and against human rights to restrict something just because someone is part of a certain age group

The whole reason people vote is because they have an interest in politics. When people are under 18 is the best time to build that interest. It follows logically that kids should be allowed to vote to engage them in the political scene and enhance their knowledge as they become adults.

Education is always helpful, but learning about our country is even better. The schools would teach the kids about each and every candidate so that they would make the best choice for themselves and the country.

Turning 18 does not automatically make someone smart and responsible

It's not about age, it's about intellect and intelligence. Not all 18-year-olds who are legally allowed to vote have the mental capacity to understand what they're doing. Some young children are incredibly smart and could vote responsibly.

You can't pick and choose who votes based on smarts and IQ. Everyone makes not-so-smart choices in their lives.

No matter if you like it or not, children are a part of the world. Who the president is doesn't just affect adults. It affects children too. This includes rights, places to live, and even if the child likes the president.

Everyday children are affected by laws they do not have a voice in, so they should have a say in their own future
Everyone's opinion matters

As John F. Kennedy once said, One person can make a difference, and everyone should try. So give me - [checks how many reasons there are on this website] - 50 GOOD reasons why kids should NOT be able to vote. Let's see if you can do it!

Kids shouldn't have to miss out on voting when they are young

The Newcomers

? Voting will help kids learn more about politics
? Voting can make kids more responsible

By voting, kids can feel more a part of something. Then, they will become more serious about other things.

The Contenders
Some adults don't vote even though they have the chance, so allowing kids to vote would ensure more participation

Under 18s beg to vote, but 40% of over 18s don't use their vote!

The item explains itself.

Kids may be 20% of our population, but they are 100% of our future, so they need a voice in their own future
You can drive, die in war, and get married before 18, so voting should not be restricted to adults

You're right. Laws about child abuse, child labor, and many other things are being decided completely by adults. It barely even affects them!

Children live in the country too, so we should also get to vote on who runs it and makes the country's decisions.

Voting impacts children's futures, so they should be allowed to participate

Politicians are in charge of schools, so children should be able to decide how the schools are run!

The government runs the schools which kids are in!

Some laws heavily affect kids, yet they cannot vote on them

That will affect their children a lot, especially regarding education and other important issues.

Waiting to vote will not help the economy
Kids live in the country too, so they should have the right to choose who runs it
Kids can have opinions that contribute to society

It isn't fair for children not to vote. Most of us kids are smarter than the adults who actually get to vote. A kid finished university at the age of 10. Some adults can't even read.

Perspective is different for everyone.

Children have opinions too
Some kids are smart enough to vote

I am one of those young individuals who should have the right to vote despite my young age.

Kids are the future generation
Many under 18 have jobs and pay taxes. If you pay taxes, you should have the right to vote

Children too young to legally have a job depend on their parents for shelter and food. Therefore, they should be allowed to vote to elect candidates who will help the economy and ensure their parents can continue to support them. Children pay taxes by proxy through their parents.

Kids are the next generation
Kids don't have a lot of political experience, but neither do most adults

Yeah! I bet 65% of the adults who vote don't even know what the word politicians means!

Most children are more mature than people assume
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