The voting age should not be lowered to 16 years old. The right to vote is a privilege you gain as you grow older. Realistically, sixteen-year-olds are too young and immature to understand the viewpoints that political candidates are running on. The concepts of abortion, inflation, and gun violence are not easy concepts to grasp at that age. Additionally, 16-year-olds are still legally considered minors, living under the decisions of their parents or guardians. By 18, there is an opportunity to graduate high school and enter the workforce or college, giving them more independence and experience on how government decisions impact their lives. Keeping the voting age at 18 ensures that voters are at a stage in life where they can make informed decisions.
Some may argue, like David Sharayn in the article, that since 16-year-olds can work and pay taxes, they should also have the right to vote. However, the working age and voting age are two different concepts. Paying taxes does not mean that a person is prepared to make complex decisions for the government. At 18, individuals have more life experience and responsibility, and they are also not considered minors anymore, making them have a better prepared vote. For these reasons, 18 years old remains the most reasonable voting age in the United States.
