Democrats Propose Constitutional Amendment To Lower Voting Age To 16

Some Democrats want to create a Constitutional amendment to allow 16-year-olds to vote. Democrat New York Rep. Grace Meng introduced legislation that would eliminate the 26th Amendment to the Constitution which says that United States citizens have to be a minimum of 18 years old to vote, Fox News reported.

“The right of citizens of the United States, who are sixteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age,” the new legislation says.

The representative has not issued a press release on her current proposal, but she did when she prosed similar legislation in February 2021.

“Our young people, including 16- and 17-year-olds, continue to fight and advocate for so many issues that they are passionate about from gun safety to the climate crisis,” she said. “They have been tremendously engaged on policies affecting their lives and their futures. Their activism, determination, and efforts to demand change are inspirational and have truly impacted our nation. It’s time to give them a voice in our democracy by permitting them to be heard at the ballot box. 16- and 17-year-olds are legally permitted to work and drive. They also pay federal income taxes. I believe that it is right and fair to also allow them to vote. Let’s let them be heard and make their voices count. Let’s give them a say in choosing who they want their government representatives to be. I’m proud to stand with our young people in introducing this legislation, and I urge my colleagues in the House to support it.”

“Voting is a habit, and research makes it clear that age 16 is a better time than 18 to establish that habit,” Campaign Manager at Vote16USA Brandon Klugman said. “We need to pass Congresswoman Meng’s legislation to lower the voting age to 16 to increase participation in our democracy and to ensure that young people have a voice on the decisions that determine the direction of their futures.”

“Congresswoman Meng’s record demonstrates a long-standing commitment to engaging young people in the civic process. As our democracy faces unprecedented attacks and as our country grapples with great, imminent challenges, it is critical we ensure those whose futures are most impacted and who will be responsible for resolving these issues for years to come are empowered to take action and have a voice today.” Rock The Vote President and Executive Director Carolyn DeWitt said. “Any effort to make young people’s voices heard on a local, state, and federal level is an important one.”

“Generation Vote and our allies are firmly committed to advancing a new vision for the future of our democracy and what it means to engage young people in the electoral process in New York State and across the country,” CEO of Generation Vote Brianna Cea said. “Lowering the voting age is an investment in the leaders of tomorrow and we are proud to endorse Congresswoman Meng’s amendment to extend voting rights to citizens who are 16 years of age. Empowering the next generation of voters makes our communities stronger, strengthens civic education in our schools, and recognizes the contributions of young people to improving our democracy. In the wake of unprecedented youth voter turnout in 2020 and in the lead-up to the 50th anniversary of the 26th amendment, we urge Congress to support this historic bill.”

“This generation of young voters is more politically engaged than ever before, and the fate of our nation rests in their hands,” Jocelyn Yow, Policy Manager at IGNITE National said. “IGNITE believes that our democracy is stronger when the voices of our citizens—especially the youth—are uplifted, empowered, and amplified. We are proud to support Congresswoman Meng’s efforts to lower the voting age to 16.”

In March, legislation to lower the voting age to 16 received the support of 125 Democrats and one Republican.

But even if it were passed, an amendment to the Constitution would require ratification by two-thirds of the states, which would be a monumental, if not impossible, stretch.

In what is no surprise Rep. Meng’s current legislation is supported by Squad members Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts.