ELA CIA #3 Prep - 7th Grade

What does the chart “Young Voters: Too Busy to Bother” show?

• The number of young voters has increased over time.

• The lowest voter turnout is among 25-34 year-olds.

• Older people hardly ever vote.

• People tend to vote more as they get older.

According to the chart, which group of people votes the most?

• 25 to 34 years old

• 45 to 54 years old

• 55 to 64 years old

• 65 years old and older

What is the main reason some people do NOT want 16-year-olds to vote?

• They think kids don’t belong in politics.

• They think kids don’t think for themselves.

• They think kids are too busy to care about politics.

• They think kids are not mature enough.

What is the best reason FOR letting 16-year-olds vote?

• It would make it easier to vote.

• It would make politicians care more about young people.

• It would help kids run for office.

• It would create more jobs for kids.

Which sentence supports letting younger people vote?

• "Adolescents are not only competent to cast ballots, but would also focus attention on issues of particular interest to young people, like education and the environment."

• "Opponents say 16-year-olds are not as mature or experienced as older voters and predict that most of them wouldn’t actually vote anyway."

• "In the U.S., 18- to 24-year-olds are the least likely group to vote on Election Day."

• "That changed in 1971, when the 26th Amendment lowered the voting age from 21 to 18."

Which sentence best shows why people think 16-year-olds should NOT vote?

• "Several experts agree that 16- and 17-year-olds are mature enough to handle voting."

• "It’s one of the things I was most looking forward to about turning 18."

• "If we trust them to drive at 16, why don’t we trust them to vote?"

• "In the U.S., 18- to 24-year-olds are the least likely group to turn out on Election Day."

What does the word "advocates" mean?

• People who know a lot about something.

• People who publicly support a cause.

• People who don’t have an opinion.

• People who run for office.

What is one argument against lowering the voting age to 16?

• Many young people don’t know enough about politics.

• Younger voters will vote in every election.

• The government wants more young voters.

• Younger people make the best decisions.

What is one reason some people think 16-year-olds should be allowed to vote?

• They already have jobs and responsibilities.

• They don’t care about politics.

• They don’t vote when they turn 18 anyway.

• They won’t understand the voting process.

What is one reason politicians might want the voting age to stay at 18?

• Younger voters don’t usually help them win elections.

• Politicians don’t want young people to have opinions.

• Politicians think voting is only for older adults.

• Politicians think 16-year-olds don’t pay taxes.