The opinions that Americans may have when regarding the voting age possible being lowered to 16 are diverse and controversial.

Those who support the age being lowered to 16 believe that it will empower the youth, enhance political participation, and ensure that our political leaders will be serving the opinions and needs of everyone by listening to the voice of the youth and what they think when it comes to shaping their future. However, opponents express concerns about maturity levels, lack of experience, and lack of necessary knowledge needed when it comes to voting. They also raise logistical challenges and question whether younger voters completely even grasp the concept of voting and how imperative it is to the country. Overall, the debate with lowering the voting age reflects a really broad discussion about democracy and our country’s youth.

Some Falcon students like senior Mayte Aleman don’t believe the age should be lowered. 

”If the voting age was lowered to 16, I think that it would not be a good idea because most teenagers do not take these decisions seriously and a vote counts for a lot,” Aleman said.  “I do not believe that 16 year olds are mature enough to participate in the voting process although there are probably some that are mature enough, but not most.” 

Aleman detailed how the country would be impacted if the age was lowered.

“The whole US would be impacted because votes have a big impact and should be taken seriously,” Aleman said. “A concern I would have is that it won’t be taken seriously by the youth, therefore affecting the US as a whole.”

Aleman continued by discussing how the maturity level of a 16 year old isn’t enough to discern between candidates. 

”I think the perspectives differ because as an older adult they are able to pay close attention to what each political figure is able to offer and what they are not,” Aleman said. “Teenagers won’t be able to always see how much of an impact whether it’s good or bad a political figure can make.”

Overall, I agree with Mayte, 16-year-olds are not mature nor informed enough to make big political decisions. With the exception of some, the youth is not mature enough to vote accordingly. Though they are being affected by political powers and should have a voice in their future, their time will come.