Oregon May Drop Voting Age To 16

Oregon is considering lowering its voting age to 16 through an amendment to the state’s constitution. If state lawmakers pass a proposed measure, the people would vote on the issue in the 2020 election. The 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution lowered the nation’s voting age from 21 to 18 in 1971. But, it doesn't block states from further lowering the voting age. Some cities have lowered the voting age for local elections to 16, and 16-year-olds are allowed to vote in several other countries.

Class discussion: Should 16-year-olds be allowed to vote? Why or why not? Most Americans are unable to pass a citizenship test about how the government works and basic U.S. history, according to a recent report. Could you pass the test for new U.S. citizens? Younger voters have a poor record of turning up to vote. Would you actually vote if you were legally allowed? Overall, America’s voter participation is low. Should citizens be required to vote as in some other countries? Do we need to make it easier to vote?