Skip navigation menu
Hero background image

VOTING AGE TO 16

Problem

Millions of 16 and 17-year-olds work, pay taxes, care for siblings, drive, and contribute to their communities — yet they are excluded from the right to vote.

The result:

  • A major segment of the population lives under laws they cannot influence

  • Decisions about climate, education, policing, and economic policy are made without the voices of those most affected.

  • Young people are told to participate in democracy while being structurally blocked from doing so

The data

  • Over 1 million 16–17-year-olds work and pay taxes every year

  • High school students take history, civics, government, and economics before age 18

  • Cognitive research shows that 16-year-olds have adult-level reasoning when making planned decisions, such as voting.

  • Places that allow 16-year-olds to vote show strong turnout:

    • Austria saw increased participation immediately after lowering the age.

    • Takoma Park’s 16–17 turnout was double that of older first-time voters.

  • Starting voting earlier builds lifelong habits; first-time voters at 18 often skip voting because of moves for college or work, or due to instability.

  • Countries already voting at 16 include Austria, Scotland, Brazil, Wales, Argentina, plus U.S. cities such as Takoma Park and Hyattsville.

Young people are contributing but are locked out of the democratic system.

Solutions

1. Lower the federal voting age to 16

  • Pass legislation or a constitutional amendment enabling voting at 16 for:

    • Local elections

    • State elections

    • Federal elections

  • Provide grants to states and counties to help them transition smoothly.

Impact: Millions of young people gain political power that they already earn every day.

2. Automatic voter registration at 16

  • Enroll students through DMV visits, public schools, and online platforms.

  • Ensure easy address updates for students who move.

Impact: Removes paperwork barriers and makes participation universal.

3. Tie civics education to active participation

  • Require updated civics, media literacy, and electoral education.

  • Encourage schools to host:

    • Ballot drop sites

    • Mock elections tied to real ballots

    • Candidate forums

Impact: Students vote while learning how democracy works.

4. Protect youth voters from suppression

  • Ban restrictive ID requirements that block students.

  • Require polling places accessible to:

    • High schools

    • Community colleges

    • Technical schools

  • Make voter intimidation of minors a federal crime.

Impact: Voting becomes a right, not an obstacle course.

5. Ensure youth voices shape policy

  • Establish national youth advisory councils to testify on legislation.

  • Encourage school board and local advisory seats for students.

  • Require agencies creating climate, education, or technology policy to consult youth groups.

Impact: Youth influence the laws that govern their future.

Bottom Line

Young people already work, study, pay taxes, and live with the consequences of political decisions.

Letting them vote:

  • Strengthens democracy

  • Increases lifelong participation

  • Brings real voices into policy debates

  • Aligns the law with lived reality

If you are old enough to work, drive, and pay taxes —

You are old enough to vote.