Old Enough to Vote?

In Old Enough to Vote?, host Radzi Chinyanganya explores the global discussion surrounding the voting age, focusing on the differences in voting age laws between countries. This video highlights how 16-year-olds in some countries, like Austria and Brazil, are eligible to vote, whereas in others, the voting age remains higher, like in the United Arab Emirates, where the voting age is set at 25. It also encourages a critical examination of the current age requirements for voting and whether they are still suitable in modern democracies. This video is excerpted from BBC’s My World, a program created for teenagers eager to learn more about the important stories shaping our world.

Video Details

Grades:

6-8 9-12

Program:

My World

Time:

6:00

Subject:

Social Studies

Topic:

Civics

Grades:

6-8 9-12

Program:

My World

Time:

6:00

Subject:

Social Studies

Topic:

Civics

Grades:

6-8 9-12

Program:

My World

Time:

6:00

Subject:

Social Studies

Topic:

Civics

Grades:

6-8 9-12

Program:

My World

Time:

6:00

Subject:

Social Studies

Topic:

Civics

Lesson Express

Q: Why do some countries allow 16-year-olds to vote, while others set the voting age at 18 or higher?
A: Student responses will vary. Students should consider the different political, cultural, and historical reasons for varying voting ages across countries. They might discuss the maturity level and life experiences needed to vote responsibly, the role of youth in political movements, and how different nations view the engagement of young people in democracy.

Q: Do you think 16-year-olds should be allowed to vote? What are the pros and cons of lowering the voting age?
A: Student responses will vary. Students should provide supporting arguments for and against lowering the voting age. They may discuss issues such as maturity, the level of political awareness among young people, the responsibilities of citizenship, and the impact of youth votes on political outcomes.

Q: How might lowering the voting age affect political participation and youth engagement in the democratic process?
A: Student responses will vary. Students should explore the potential impact of lowering the voting age on political engagement. They may discuss how it could increase youth participation, encourage political education, and empower younger generations to have a voice in shaping policy.

Standards

Keywords