Now, some adults assume we have not learned enough about our government and our country to form opinions about who should be elected. But my generation has proven that this assumption is incorrect. We are more informed and politically engaged than ever before. In fact, our generation is one of the most socially active in history. (Remember the climate change protests held outside your office last year? Those were organized by students at my school!) According to a recent survey by Irregular Labs, 73 percent of Gen Z-ers said that being politically or socially engaged was “very important to their identity.” Does that sound like a group that isn’t ready to vote?
Consider this: In 2013, the city of Takoma Park, Maryland, lowered the voting age for local elections to 16. Since then, 16- and 17-year-olds who registered to vote have cast their ballots at a higher rate than any other age group. If we lowered the voting age in our town, I bet the same thing could happen here.
Still, I understand that not everyone my age is ready to vote. But maybe lowering the voting age could change that. Enabling teens to participate fully in our democracy could empower more young people to start educating themselves and to get involved sooner rather than later.
I hope that you will consider my points, and I am looking forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Sarah Philips