Oregon teens push to lower voting age to 16

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Hundreds of Oregon teens spent part of their spring break asking state lawmakers to consider lowering the voting age to 16.

Students said at a hearing Wednesday that they deserve a political voice on issues that affect their future, like gun control and climate change. The school shooting at Parkland, Florida, spurred widespread youth-led movements around the country.

State legislators are considering a Senate resolution lowering the voting age to 16 for all federal and statewide elections. The change would amend the state Constitution and would ultimately need voter approval in the 2020 election.

The proposal has gained national support from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. But opponents say that teens aren’t mature enough to participate in the political process and that the idea is a Democratic ploy to get more voters.