H.J.Res.16 - Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States extending the right to vote to citizens sixteen years of age or older. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.J.Res.16 proposes a constitutional amendment to lower the voting age to 16. The resolution aims to repeal the 26th Amendment and establish the right of citizens aged sixteen or older to vote. It grants Congress the power to enforce this article through appropriate legislation.
Expected Effects
If ratified, this amendment would enfranchise 16 and 17-year-olds, significantly expanding the electorate. This could lead to shifts in election outcomes and increased political attention to issues affecting younger demographics. The amendment would necessitate changes to voter registration systems and potentially impact civic education programs.
Potential Benefits
- Increased civic engagement among young people.
- Potential for policies more aligned with the interests of younger generations.
- A more inclusive and representative democracy.
- Opportunity for earlier political socialization and participation.
- Could encourage more comprehensive civics education.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Concerns about the maturity and knowledge of 16 and 17-year-olds to make informed voting decisions.
- Potential for increased political polarization.
- Logistical challenges in adapting voter registration systems.
- Possible shift in political focus away from older demographics.
- Risk of disproportionate influence from specific interest groups targeting young voters.
Constitutional Alignment
The proposed amendment aligns with the Constitution's amendment process as outlined in Article V. It seeks to modify the electorate, a power implicitly granted to the states but subject to federal intervention through constitutional amendments, as seen with the 26th Amendment. The amendment process requires a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate and ratification by three-fourths of the states.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).