Too Young to Vote Voting age has been a controversial topic for many generations. Which gender votes, which racial votes, how to vote, where to vote and who to vote for are all questions that have generated debate. Many of these continue to be asked during every election. A further question being raised in the current elections is at what age one should be able to vote. Voting age has become an increasingly relevant topic due to the increase in countries lowering their voting age. Countries that are at the forefront of lowering the voting age include: Germany, Austria, Argentina and the United Kingdom (Lowering the Voting Age). Although the facts surrounding the proposal to lower the voting age are limited, it is a constitutional proposal. The Constitution states that no person 18 years of age or older may be denied the right to vote on the basis of age (U.S. Constitution Amendment XXVI, Sec. 1). The constitution also “permits minors under 18 to vote as long as the state in which the voter resides permits. The most recent escalation of interest comes from Takoma Park, Maryland, where the age typically marked by driving is now marked by voting. These young voters can only vote in local elections (Holeywell). This event has sparked interest in lowering the voting age, and lowering the voting age is not a wise choice. History shows that lowering the voting age is not favorable. The wave of countries lowering the voting age began in the 1950s. James Mitcham, who worked at the Library of Congress, said that according to Ames Peaslee, author of Constitutions of Nations, over 20 countries had a minimum voting age of 21 or older (Mitcham). During the 1950s approximately 105 sovereign states were recognized, indicating...... middle of paper ......ion. In the 11 major states, only 66 percent of eligible voters turned out in the 2012 elections, and in the other 39 states voter turnout averaged 57 percent (What Influences Voter Turnout Rates). These numbers are a tough pill to swallow. Not only is voter turnout low in non-major states, but the 11 key states also have low voter turnout. Our country and states should focus on increasing these numbers. This is supported by Jenny Cheng, a professor at Vanderbilt Law School, who said that "interest in improving the political participation of young adults would be better focused on attacking barriers such as residency requirements that exclude college students. . Voting age is the least of their problems" (Cheng ). Lowering the voting age is not a wise choice. The debate on lowering the voting age should be over and time should be focused on increasing voter registration and increasing voter turnout..