Why expand the voting age?
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Youth voting increases adult voting.
First-time voters aged 18 to 24 have one of the lowest turnout rates. By enfranchising youth in Culver City, where they have strong support systems and know their community, rather than hoping they'll vote in an unfamiliar college or career environment, we'll instill the responsibility of democracy and encourage a generation of habitual voters.
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Teens already drive and pay taxes, but have no say in local policies.
The government trusts teens to drive, hold jobs, pay taxes, and pre-register to vote. Expanding the voting age would allow youth to have a say in issues they care about and are impacted by.
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Teens can vote credibly.
"Cold cognition,” the complex decision-making skill used in voting, is found to be fully developed by 16.
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Youth enfranchisement is successful in other cities and countries.
A measure to expand the voting age isn't radical—it’s not even the first such measure in California. Berkeley and Oakland have already passed measures that will enfranchise their youth. Twenty-nine countries allow teens to vote. Globally, young adults who cast their first ballot at 16 or 17 are proven to be better informed and more engaged voters.
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Expanding democracy has made America stronger.
Eighteen hasn’t always been the voting age. It took decades of activism and an unpopular military draft to lower the federal age. Today, 16- and 17- year olds are profoundly affected by their government now, and deserve a say in it. Our democracy is stronger when more people are a part of it.