Some people argue that 16 and 17-year-olds are too young to vote because their brains are still developing. But research from psychologists and neuroscientists shows that when it comes to decisions like voting, they are just as capable as adults.*

 

While it’s correct that the brain continues developing into a person’s mid-20s, not all decision-making is the same. Psychologists explain that there are two types of decision-making: cold cognition and hot cognition.

 

Hot cognition involves quick decisions made in emotionally charged situations where there’s often pressure to act fast and temptation to take risks. Things like drinking and gambling are examples of hot decisions, where self-control and emotional regulation are still developing into adulthood.

 

Cold cognition is different. It involves thoughtful, careful decisions where people have time to gather information, talk to trusted advisers (like parents, doctors, or lawyers), and weigh up their options. Examples of cold decisions include voting, giving informed consent for medical treatment, standing trial in court, or agreeing to take part in a scientific study. Research shows that 16 and 17-year-olds are fully capable of making these kinds of decisions, just like adults.

 

This is why the voting age can (and should) be lower than other age restrictions, such as drinking or gambling. There are justifications for setting age restrictions on drinking and gambling because hot cognition is used, where risk and impulse are factors. Voting isn’t like that. There’s a months-long election and you have time to make an informed decision. The evidence shows 16-year-olds are cognitively capable of voting.

 

*Research on Adolescents’ Cognitive Capacity