Angela Xiao (9) | STAFF REPORTER
As the date for the upcoming election is approaching with anticipation, the importance of voting is voiced now more than ever, but a question remains: should the voting age be lowered so that a younger age group can voice their opinions? If we can’t trust teens with substance use or driving, what makes us think that we can trust them with the future of our country?
The legal age to vote is 18 years old, and there is a reason why the government decided to legalize voting at this age and not any other age. Teens below the age of 18 are not able to make rational decisions, especially not a decision that could shape our nation’s future. Their brains are yet to develop fully, and with being easily influenced by the media and friends, it is uncertain that teens will vote with a sound understanding of each party. With fake and biased news online, it is easy for these teens to get influenced by the opinions of their favourite celebrities. Additionally, they might support or oppose a party without knowing or researching all the information.
We may be able to trust young teens with some things, but certainly not with voting. There is no saying what they might do with this freedom of voting, and with the current struggle of making sure the younger generation actually votes, lowering the voting age will not solve any problems — it’ll only cause more.
