by Katherine Sperduto ’19

Demanding reform in our government, protests and backlash by the young adult population has burgeoned since the last school shooting in Parkland, Florida on Valentines day. After that tragic loss of 17 innocent lives, marches, protests, heated debates, and bickering over social media has drawn much needed attention to the issue of gun violence and protecting our nation’s children. I, along with many others, propose that the voting age be lowered to 16 from our current guideline of 18 years old.

Skeptics raise the concern that teens under the age of 18 are not developed enough to make informed decisions. However, Newscientist.com claims that studies have shown that cold cognitive abilities (making decisions by analyzing facts and data to make informed decisions) are fully mature by age 16. These abilities are prominent in voting decisions. Lowering the voting age to 16 would give teens a voice about government decisions and about their own futures. As young adults involved in the community, we are encouraged to develop opinions on issues that impact our society. However, if we cannot express those opinions in a concrete manner, then what is the purpose. Giving students a voice while still in high school is a much needed change that would benefit the nation as a whole.