Last week, Scotland allowed 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in a referendum over whether to break away from the United Kingdom. But outside Takoma Park, Md., Should the U.S. allow 16 and 17-year-olds vote?
It’s an idea several states and as well in foreign countries. They’re considering as politicians desperately search for ways to boost dismal and sinking turnout among young adults It sounds a little counterintuitive: Young adults don’t vote, so lower the voting age.

“At the age of 16 most teenagers can work, pay taxes, drive and be charged as adults for crimes and even be sentenced to death” said Alex Koroknay-Palicz, executive director of the National Youth Rights Association.

California has the most radical proposal: a constitutional amendment that would give 16-year-olds a half vote and 14-year-olds a quarter vote in state elections beginning in 2006.

Advocates say, Getting teenagers in the habit of voting will make them lifetime voters. Junior Omar Jeelani said, “I would not vote, I don’t want that pressure right now. Personally, I have a lot of stuff to do. Voting is important but I’m still a kid, how am I going to decide the future of my country?” Jeelani said.

History teacher Mr. Hawley said “That [students learning American history in high school] would give them some context but then the overwhelming number of 16 year olds don’t really pay a lot of attention to the world as a whole. So, I don’t know if they’d be great at understanding how that history connects to the present. In general, I would be supportive of it but I don’t think it would make a huge difference” Hawley said