Should the voting age be 16?

Encyclopedia of Opinion

Question: Should the voting age be 16?
Position‹2 of 3›: No, the voting age is fine as it is
Argument1 of 3›: Responsibilities are really starting

Life is beginning to happen, and this is the perfect age for the concept of civic duty to make an appearance.

The argument

At eighteen, the concept of adulthood is starting to be realised. Most young adults are striving towards college, employment, or a family. Eighteen is the perfect time to introduce the idea of voting. It's a great first step into actively becoming a member of society. Voting puts a certain amount of responsibility on one's shoulders. At eighteen, the idea of responsibilities has finally begun to sink in. Choices matter more. The weight and consequences of voting may actually make sense to an eighteen-year old, while they wouldn't to a younger teenager.

Premises

[P1]Voting is a significant civic responsibility whose weight and consequences must be understood by those who exercise it. [P2] At eighteen, young adults are entering real adult responsibilities like work, college, and family, and can grasp the weight of consequential choices in ways younger teenagers cannot. [C] Therefore, the voting age should remain at eighteen rather than be lowered to sixteen.

Counter-arguments

Although adult responsibilities should be beginning at this age, many young adults neglect these responsibilities. Look at college parties and social media. Young adults do not yet fully understand the weight of their decisions.

Rejecting the premises

[Rejecting P1] Many 18-year-olds do not comprehend responsibility. [Rejecting P2] Voting is a right, not a responsibility.