Lower the Age to Vote

What is the author's claim?

• The voting age should remain at 18 years old.

• Everyone should vote no matter their age.

• The voting age should be lowered to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote.

What is the counterclaim?

• There should be term limits.

• The voting age should not be lowered.

• Voters should have to show ID to vote.

Select the evidence that supports the claim that the voting age should be lowered. Choose THREE

• In parts of the U.S., laws grant voting rights to teens on a limited basis. Some cities allow citizens as young as 16 to vote in local elections. A few states allow 17-year-olds to vote in primary elections if they will be 18 by the time of the general election.

• Supporters point out that teenagers are required to follow laws, but they have no say in who makes those laws.

• Brater is counsel for the Brennan Center for Justice's Democracy Program at New York University School of Law.

• Many teens hold jobs (and may even pay income tax). Some are caregivers for loved ones who are ailing or have disabilities. This may suggest that they are mature enough to make reasoned decisions about political candidates.

Select the evidence that supports the claim that the voting age should not be lowered. Choose THREE

• They argue that young people are not mature enough to vote because before age 25 or so, the part of the brain that governs decision-making and rational thought is not fully developed.

• Some have also campaigned for political candidates or taken part in political rallies.

• High school students, they point out, have had no experience with full-time employment, paying bills, home ownership, or other adult responsibilities.

• Some also argue that 16- and 17-year-olds lack knowledge in civics or skills in critical thinking that may be picked up later in life.

Is B an example of a logical fallacy (errors in reasoning that are based on poor or faulty logic)? Why?

A. Beyond this, many teenagers have certain adult responsibilities. Many teens hold jobs (and may even pay income tax). Some are caregivers for loved ones who are ailing or have disabilities.

B. Opponents also argue that young people are not equipped to vote. High school students, they point out, have had no experience with full-time employment, paying bills, home ownership, or other adult responsibilities.

• Yes, because A gives evidence that high school students have experience with adult responsibilities.

• No, because high school students do not have experience with jobs or paying bills.

How does the author address this opposing evidence in the article?

Some also argue that 16- and 17-year-olds lack knowledge in civics or skills in critical thinking that may be picked up later in life. Therefore, they may not be able to properly judge candidates' statements and media reports as they prepare to vote.

• The author shows that lowering the voting age isn't unheard of in the U.S. In 1971, the 26th Amendment to the Constitution lowered the national voting age from 21 to 18.

• The author lists other countries that allow young people under the age of 18 to vote.

• The author states that many teenagers are already active participants in civic life. They research the issues. They voice their opinions on social media. Some have also campaigned for political candidates or taken part in political rallies.

What implicit values and beliefs are revealed in the beginning of the article?

High school students are capable of plenty. They're driving (or learning how), they're navigating their own social lives, and they're making plans for college or a career. And many of them are politically engaged. But with a few exceptions, Americans younger than 18 years old are not allowed to vote.

• High school students cannot be trusted with adult responsibilities.

• High school students are capable young people who can handle some adult responsibilities.

• The author has no opinion about high school students.

What are the strengths in how the argument that the voting age should be lowered is supported? Choose THREE

• The author lists other countries where people under 18 are allowed to vote.

• The author gives examples of people under 18 being allowed to vote in the U.S.

• The author gives evidence that shows logical fallacies in the argument that the voting age should not be lowered.

• The author uses statistics and data to show the percentage of young people who have jobs and participate in civic activities.