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

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 you are apparently seen as an adult, as responsible and all-knowing. Also, voting at a young age will help to encourage younger people to study and gain knowledge on politics, economics and economic development, therefore more people at a younger age will want to vote as they have more knowledge on how countries and governments work. Also, I strongly believe that a 16 year old is smarter than a fifty year old, as the younger generation is the most educated yet, with harder tests and more topics being taught. In addition, someone who has not been in the education system for 30 is obviously going to forget key information and so most likely be less intelligent than when they graduated.

Benefits for the kid: Yes. I am eleven and I think the reason why people don't allow kids to vote is that they are extremely ageist. I consider ageist to be as bad as sexist, racist, etc. I think it actually all depends on personality, to be honest with you. Sure, some of us aren't smart and responsible and we make bad decisions, but it doesn't mean all of us do that. I mean, it's fine I guess if you don't let a small kid do it, but please at least ages 10 and up. I hate when adults judge other people, especially kids, when the adults themselves are not making the world a better place either and some kids are actually making the world better. I get it that some adult things need to be for adults (like drinking alcohol, smoking, and having "it") but some things we should share because in reality kids and adults are basically the same nowadays. I mean, think about it for a second because what I'm saying is all true. We, kids, are just as important as adults, teenagers who drive at age ...more

Sorry, I don't say that kids are dumb (some are smarter than some adults I know) but I cannot agree with most of this list. First of all, kids are pretty ignorant about socio-economic political world-interactions, about stock-exchanges issues and markets on a global scale, about import-export economics, the maintaining equilibrium of import-export products etc... Kids will usually voting (if they could vote) what they hear in media, social medias and also influenced (or even brainwashed) about what they hear in their family environment (pro or contra). Second, voting of kids will be most of the times emotional rather than rational (some 10 year old kid can be smart enough to actually vote but truth is that this is a minority. A majority will be still irresponsible and irrational in political matters) and third, I would only agree for a younger age-vote if reforms should be made in schools in matter of political lessons and knowledge given (with open debates and opinions at the same ...more

Yes, kids these days are very smart and responsible they usually get good grades in school unless they're just dumb. Plus they are responsible my friend's daughter always takes good care of their pets and always does her homework. I think kids should be able to vote THEY DESERVE IT. Plus if kids were allowed to vote this year then Trump wouldn't be president!

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 things. They are loud, extremely heavy, and can make devastating damage. Something of that power in the hands of someone who hasn't even spent 2 decades on the Earth yet is a big responsibility, but they can handle it.
Well then, why aren't we able to handle standing in a line for about 2 minutes, writing something down that will take about 5 seconds, then going home? Do you see how that logic is seriously broken?

Things like driving are a great responsibility, it requires a lot of hard work, dedication and concentration. So does understanding politics and voting

This is irrelevant. Until you're 18 (in australia) and can have your P plates you have to be supervised by a fully licensed adult anyway.

I totally agree with that I think it is stupid that people say "oh your 18 you are smart enough to vote" that's how dumb leaders get in.

I think having a universal age of majority is a horrible idea. Sure, there should be an age limit on things like driving, drinking, getting married, age of consent and voting. For driving, it should be 16. For drinking, 20. Getting married: 18, or 16 if you are emancipated. Age of consent: 16.

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 people might say becoming an adult makes you more responsible/smart, but in some cases this is not entirely true.

This item is kinda like #1, but a lot different. (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 yo should vote, I'm saying a person that's 17 with a tiny gap between 18 years should vote.

While below 18 doesn't automatically mean smart, either. The thing is, it's all about the average age of when an average human starts to develop a sense of reasoning.

Why does the mind of a 17 yr old not matter when an 18 year olds mind does!
You can drive, join the army and get married before you can vote!
I'm not saying 5 yr olds should vote I'm saying maybe 12 yr olds should be allowed to
vote, if they understand politics, let them vote!

Yeah, let's give a seven year old who probably doesn't know who Trump is the same power as a war veteran.

No they aren't. If anything, Kids are more like Subhumans according to the adults that run all this.

Kids are more important than adults because adults have to protect us like parents I thick.

Sometimes it seems like children remember things adults do not, but in fact, adults have better memory, and if by better memory, we mean the ability to remember more information, more accurately, and for longer periods of time. Children are better than adults. There is no rhyme or reason to continue to insist that adults are somehow more capable of making ethical judgements. Well, children don't make assumptions, children have more complete trust, children can live simple lives. Even kids have no shame. So that is why kids should vote because kids are just important as adults, age 18 does not mean smart, adults who claim they are smarter than kids voted for trump, and the ability to vote would give more kids political education.

Yeah lol if adults think they're smarter than kids, then they go and vote for Trump, it's just so stupid. I mean, I wouldn't have voted for Trump if I could vote. Being 14 and not being able to vote yet, our school did a vote on who we wanted for President and Trump didn't win, I will tell you that right now

Yeah trump suck

So? What's your point?

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

Most adults don't know a thing about politics, and yet, they vote! Schools could have classes that teach you about politics in the earlier grades (6-8) and then grade 9 and above could actually vote. This knowledge would also help us as adults. - an 11-year-old girl who's just as smart as an 18-year old.

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.

I told my dad this idea and he asked me would any kid be able to vote. I told him the parents would make sure the kids were responsible enough. This could've prevented Trump.

No, because kids are still adolescents who are still growing and developing. You really think we should let kids who are in puberty or ones that haven't hit puberty yet have a chance to vote?

It's not about age, it's about intellect and intelligence, and not even some 18 year olds who are legally aloud to vote have the mental capacity to understand some of what they're doing. It is not to say that some young children are incredibly smart and could vote responsibly, but you can't pick and choose who votes and who doesn't based off smarts and IQ, everyone makes not so smart choices in their lives.

No matter if you like it or not children are apart of the world and who the president is doesn't just effect adults it effects children too. Such as rights, places to live, and even the child may not like the president.

Listen. Some kids are more educated than adults but everyone at my school is like "oh my gawd. Crooked Hillary broke like, 17 laws." Do you want these arrogant children with no evidence to decide the fait of our country? No!

Kids are responsible

Give us a chance

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!

We should vote

Best reason I can think of...

Kids should vote 12--

Trump, rubio, cruz...

Yes that is true

The fact that you think this, or anything else you've proffered here, demonstrates any capacity for simple logic, let alone complex critical thought, illustrates precisely why you should not be allowed to vote, perhaps until age 35.
Might start by brushing up on grammar.

The fact that this list exists just proves how some people are total airheads about politics.

U18s beg to vote but 40% of over 18s don't use their vote!

The item explains itself.

Your 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.

Well that's surprising

I am a sperm and I agree

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

The government run schools which kids are in!

And that will affect their children a lot about educations and others

Spending many years following politics before 18 really doesn't make children happy!

And screwing up in the elections will not help, either.

Hilary winning won't help!

I want to vote

Kids should vote to

That gives me hope

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

Perspective is different for all.

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

If you ever run for president, you'll be thankful for kids votes

Children too young to legally have a job are dependent on their parents for shelter and food. Therefore, they should be allowed to vote in order to elect candidates whom they believe will help the economy and ensure their parents can continue to feed them. Children pay taxes by proxy through their parents.