Constitutional Amendment to Lower the Legal Voting Age to Sixteen

Floor Speech

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Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, throughout our nation's history--from the Vietnam war-era movement that sparked the 26th Amendment to the students of Stoneman Douglas High School demanding action against gun violence--the power of youth activism has undeniably and profoundly impacted cultural and political movements throughout our nation's history. The modern fight against climate change continues to be led by young adults who recognize they will face the consequences of decisions that we make today.

Madam Speaker, it is time to give them a voice in our democracy by permitting them to be heard at the ballot box.

Sixteen-year-olds are legally permitted to work and pay federal income tax on their earnings. They are legally permitted to drive motor vehicles, and if they commit crimes they are tried as adults. If 16- year-olds are impacted by our laws, it is only fair that they be allowed to choose their representatives. Granting 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote ensures that their concerns and voices are heard by policymakers. Lowering the voting age can also strengthen civics education in our schools by making content relevant to students lives, and incentivizing schools to prioritize civics.

Madam Speaker, research has shown that voting is a habitual behavior, which is why 16 is a better time than 18 to acquire the habit of voting. Numerous cities across our nation have already passed ordinances allowing 16-year-olds to vote in local municipal elections. Data from five cities in Maryland--which were among the first in America to lower the voting age to 16 for local elections--shows 16- and 17-year-olds have turned out to vote at equal or higher rates than voters from older age groups.

When individuals participate in democratic processes from a young age, they form lifelong habits of civic participation and voter engagement. Nineteen states already allow for 17-year-olds to vote in primary elections prior to them turning 18.

Madam Speaker, lowering the voting age to 16 will only strengthen our democratic institutions by exposing youth to our most sacred civic duty of voting. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation as we empower America's youth to help shape and guide our nation by allowing them to vote in all elections.

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