A recent upsurge in youth activism in the U.S. and other countries has led lawmakers to consider the proposal to lower the voting age from 18 to 16, but many people are against extending the vote to even younger people. The Onion presents the pros and cons of lowering the voting age.


PRO

Most teens already have a good sense of which political party their parents told them they’re in.


Younger voters could have fresher viewpoints on phosphorus removal in township water treatment facilities.




Lays groundwork for lowering the draft age.



It’d be totally hilarious if Ryan ran for, like, comptroller or something, and the whole school voted for him and he won.




Can blame an entirely different generation for the direction of the country.



CON

Gives kids false hope their voice matters.

Legally requires everyone else to give a shit about what teenagers are thinking.



Becca thinks voting is basic.



Younger voters equally as misinformed as older voters.



Middle-aged politicians will have a legitimate reason to be around more teens.

