[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 20 (Wednesday, February 3, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E99-E100]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO LOWER THE LEGAL VOTING AGE TO SIXTEEN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GRACE MENG

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 3, 2021

  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.

[[Page E100]]

  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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