Illustration of a hand holding a sign saying "Every Vote Counts" with American flags behind it
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Should You Get to Vote?

Sarah thinks that the voting age should be lowered. The mayor of her town disagrees. Who makes the better argument? You decide!

From the November 2020 Issue

Learning Objective: to analyze and evaluate two opposing argument essays  

The situation: Sarah thinks that the voting age should be lowered. The mayor of her town disagrees. Who makes the better argument? You decide!

YES: Voting should be our right.

A girl with long curly hair wearing American flag sunglasses

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Dear Mayor Gomez,

I hope that you are doing well. I know you are busy, but I would love to hear your point of view on an issue that has been on my mind a lot lately: the voting age. I’m 14 years old, and I believe strongly that teens my age should be able to vote.

I realize the voting age in America is 18, but that is unfair. First of all, the decisions that our elected officials make do not affect just people 18 and older. These decisions affect everyone— including kids. In fact, many decisions made today, especially those regarding education and climate change, will affect us more than they will adults. So doesn’t it make sense that we get a say in who our leaders are? I think so.

Illustration of a hand holding a sign saying "Every Vote Counts" with American flags behind it

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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

NO: There are other ways to have a say.

A smiling man wearing a blue shirt and blue tie

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Dear Sarah,

I am thrilled that you reached out to me and that you’ve taken such an interest in this issue. When I was your age, I wanted to vote too, so I understand your frustration. That being said, I do not think that the voting age should change, and I will tell you why.

Voting is an incredibly important responsibility. I agree that your generation is engaged and informed, but deciding who to vote for requires drawing on life experiences that kids your age have not had yet. Plus, voting requires a certain amount of knowledge about how the government works—and not all kids your age have this knowledge. The study of the rights and duties of citizens is called civics, and only nine states require students to have a full year of it in school. Ten states don’t require it at all. If we were to lower the voting age, it would be imperative to first make civics a mandatory yearlong subject in all schools.

In addition, it can be hard as a kid to separate your opinions from those of your parents or other adults around you. When I was your age, I would have just voted the same way my parents did—but your vote should be about you and your convictions.

Illustration of five balloons with red, white, and blue stars and stripes

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I do acknowledge that the decisions elected officials make today profoundly affect kids and their futures, and I agree that you should have a say in those decisions. But voting isn’t the only way to have a voice. There are many different ways to be heard. You mentioned the climate change protests last year. Those are a perfect example of how young people who cannot yet vote can still be influential. In addition to protesting, you can also call or write to your local representatives, circulate petitions, and spread awareness on social media about the issues you care about.

What’s more, even though you can’t vote, you can still play an important role in this upcoming election. Talk to the adults in your life about the issues that matter to you and encourage them to vote. Let them know who you would vote for and why. Doing so will spark important conversations that all Americans should have before they head to the polls.

I can tell that you will be a dedicated voter one day. I hope that in the meantime, you will stay involved, remain passionate, and continue to use your voice.

Sincerely,

Mayor Alex Gomez

This article was originally published in the November 2020 issue.

Step-by-Step Lesson Plan

Close Reading, Critical Thinking, Skill Building

1. PREPARING TO READ

2. READING AND TEXT MARKING

3. DISCUSSION

4. DEBATE

5. WRITING

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