The first section of the Twenty-Sixth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States states that, “The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen 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” (constitution.congress.gov). The Twenty-Sixth Amendment was established after young men at 18 were available to be conscripted and kill for their country, also known as being drafted. The people who pushed the ratification of the amendment often chanted, “Old enough to fight, old enough to vote” (history.com). But if someone is old enough to drive a car, old enough to pay taxes, and old enough to work a job, then it is fair to say that they too should be able to vote.

   At the age of sixteen, teenagers are able to get a license to be able to drive, even if it is with limitations (dmv.ca.org). If sixteen year olds are trusted enough  to not get into a car accident, then they should also have the same liberties for voting. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in the first half of 2023, 19,515 people died in motor vehicle traffic related accidents (nhtsa.gov). If they are trusted not to kill people in accidents then they should be trusted to participate in  the most important decision making tool in the country’s democracy.

   The lack of voting rights for tax-paying youth is a notable infringement on basic American rights. According to TurboTax, a child who earns 1,250 or more dollars, through unearned income, income not earned from work such as dividends or interest, would need to file a tax return (turbotax.intuit.com). When the USA was just the 13 colonies, a major cause of the Revolutionary War was the idea of “no taxation without representation.” This was the idea that Britain was not within its rights to tax the colonies if they had no say in the monarchy (history.com). Under the designed language of the Constitution, it can be inferred that 16-year-olds, who if employed can be taxed, should also be able to vote in elections, as these play a key role in American Government. It would be unfair to leave out people who are also capable of paying taxes.

   Although fourteen year olds can get work permits and hold some jobs, most teens seem to start working at around 16. Although there are many ways to contribute to the American economy, the backbone of the American economy is the labor force, the workers that create the products and services that other workers buy with the money they make. American workers are essential to the entire United States. Despite sixteen year olds not making up the majority of the workforce, they still contribute to the American economy in more ways than just consuming, making them worthy of the right to vote.

   Some would argue that sixteen year olds are just not developed enough to vote. “Many people point to the irresponsibility and lack of political knowledge generally associated with 16, but this may be a self-correcting problem, as it would be in the best interest of politicians to educate this new voting group,” said Senior Alexander Maldonado. Voting isn’t convenient, and many argue that teenagers, being unfit to vote, would not take time out of their days to engage in this civic duty. Suffrage would benefit the ones who do care. Often the ones who feel strongly about a certain topic would go out and vote, and the politicians would be forced to listen to the youth. Therefore, this new power would encourage teenagers to be in the loop with politics.

  This subject ignites heated debate and is quite complicated. If put in place, it would require an amendment to the Constitution, which would require uncharacteristic unity in America. But with American teenagers being able to drive a motor vehicle, pay the American government, and support the American economy through their labor, this age group should have a say in how the American government operates.