Would giving 16-year-olds the vote improve democracy or just change the way campaigns are run?

Youth Today: The Foundation of Our Nations

Democracy, as National Geographic describes it, began in Ancient Greece, in which all free men were legally required to fulfill their responsibilities, which included voting on legislation. However, democracy today is representative, where citizens vote for politicians who write up the laws. In the United States, the legal voting age is 18. In many nations, this minimum age is proposed to be lower. However, how can governments predict the changes that will come along with this modification? Although there may not be any exact results, giving 16-year-olds the right to vote will diversify voting, campaigns, and the existence of government as a whole rather than improving democracy.

Firstly, having a larger pool of eligible voters would bring about new ideals. In a historical context, varying ideals during the Gilded Age led to the creation of the Populist Party, one built to support the working and farm classes against elitists. In today's society, supporters of these varying political parties often appear in elections. In the most recent election, third parties and other candidates were voted for. While they may not be as popular as the Democratic and Republican parties, they appeal to the political views of a portion of Americans, and if possible, the younger voters, diversifying the political landscape.

Secondly, campaigning would shift to appeal to younger generations. With the rise of content creation and influencer culture, campaigns will be modified to suit what is trending. On TikTok, the Democrats' page is known for posting content that counters members of the opposite party and bringing awareness to issues. Audiences praise the content, and in turn, this creates demand, demand which politicians seek to promote their positions and garner support for their ideas. By having 16-year-olds be active, their online presence will surely reshape campaigns.

Lastly, the government itself will be affected. Around the district, various youth commissions already incorporate their input in debates regarding environment, housing, and education to modify legislation impacting communities. In Georgia, it serves the purpose of providing hands-on experience and civic engagement to students. Informed youth, when given the right to vote, will impact the laws put in place and the consequences they'll have on society.

However, an improvement in democracy is not safe to assume. Each individual has their own beliefs shaped by their environment and community. While including younger generations may provide new insights, their contributions can have varying lasting impacts.