Article
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Debate,

Should Kids Be Allowed to Vote?

Kiran thinks kids should have the right to vote, but his town mayor disagrees. Who makes the better argument?

From the October/November 2020 Issue
Lexile: 600L-700L, 700L-800L
Featured Skill: Main Idea and Supporting Details,
Common Core Standards
  • Anchor Standards
    R.1, R.2, R.6, R.8, W.1, W.4, W.10, SL.1, L.3
  • Grade 4
    RI.4.1, RI.4.2, RI.4.6, RI.4.8, W.4.1, W.4.4, W.4.10, SL.4.1, L.4.3
  • Grade 5
    RI.5.1, RI.5.2, RI.5.6, RI.5.8, W.5.1, W.5.4, W.5.10, SL.5.1, L.5.3
  • Grade 6
    RI.6.1, RI.6.2, RI.6.6, RI.6.8, W.6.1, W.6.4, W.6.10, SL.6.1, L.6.3
TEKS Standards
  • Grade 4
    4.1a, c, d; 4.6f, g, h; 4.7a, b, c, g; 4.9e; 4.11; 4.12c
  • Grade 5
    5.1a, c, d; 5.6f, g, h; 5.7a, b, c, g; 5.9e; 5.11; 5.12c
  • Grade 6
    6.1a, c, d; 6.5f, g, h; 6.6a, b, c, g; 6.8e; 6.10; 6.11c

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Reading Level

  • 700L-800L
  • 600L-700L
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Reading Level (600L-700L)

Dear Mayor Coleman,

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It seems like everyone is talking about Election Day on November 3. I’m so excited! But here’s the thing: I’m only 10 years old, and the law says you have to be at least 18 to vote. So I’m going to miss out on all the Election Day fun. I don’t think that’s fair!

First of all, what the government does matters to us kids—maybe even more than to adults. We’ll grow up facing the effects of decisions our leaders make today, especially when it comes to issues like saving the environment and having good schools. If kids like me had a say in elections, I think our leaders would pass laws that keep our future in mind.

Some adults might think that kids don’t care enough to vote, but that’s not true! I love talking about the news with my family and friends. I’ve learned a ton about the problems that our country and town are facing. In fact, I bet I know more than a lot of grown-ups do.

And don’t forget that kids are people too. We should have the same rights as adults. So what do you say? Let’s give kids a vote this Election Day!

Sincerely,

Kiran

Everyone is talking about Election Day on November 3. I’m so excited! But I’m only 10 years old. The law says you have to be at least 18 to vote. So I’m going to miss out on all the Election Day fun. I don’t think that’s fair!

First of all, what the government does matters to kids. It may even be more important to us than to adults. We’ll grow up facing the effects of decisions our leaders make today—especially on issues like saving the environment and having good schools. If kids like me could vote in elections, I think our leaders would pass laws that are good for our future.

Some adults might think that kids don’t care enough to vote. But that’s not true! I love talking about the news with my family and friends. I’ve learned a ton about the problems that our country and town are facing. I bet I even know more than a lot of grown-ups do.

And don’t forget that kids are people too. We should have the same rights as adults. So what do you say? Let’s give kids a vote this Election Day!

Sincerely,

Kiran

Dear Kiran,

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Thank you so much for your letter. I’m thrilled that you’re excited about Election Day. When I was your age, I wanted to vote too. But I probably would have just voted the same way as my parents. It’s important for voters to carefully form their own opinions, and kids need more life experiences before they can do that.

Plus, we don’t need to change the voting laws for kids like you to get involved in our community. You can pick an issue you care about, like banning plastic bags from stores or planting more trees in town. Then work to make it happen! Learn the names of your local leaders and don’t be afraid to email or write to them. After all, they work for YOU.

And here’s some good news: You can still take part in Election Day this year! You can encourage the adults in your life to use their voice and vote.

Sincerely,

Mayor Coleman

Thank you so much for your letter. I’m thrilled that you’re excited about Election Day. When I was your age, I wanted to vote too. But I probably would have just voted the same way as my parents. It’s important for voters to carefully form their own opinions. And kids need more life experiences before they can do that.

Plus, there are other ways for kids to get involved. You can pick an issue you care about. For example, banning plastic bags from stores or planting more trees. Then work to make it happen! Learn the names of your local leaders. Don’t be afraid to email or write to them. After all, they work for YOU.

And here’s some good news. You can still take part in Election Day this year! You can tell the adults in your life to use their voice and vote.

Sincerely,

Mayor Coleman

Should kids be allowed to vote?

Kiran and Mayor Coleman both give reasons that support their arguments. Find three reasons in each letter and write them below. Use these details in an opinion essay about whether kids should be able to vote.

Should kids be allowed to vote?

Kiran and Mayor Coleman both give reasons that support their arguments. Find three reasons in each letter and write them below. Use these details in an opinion essay about whether kids should be able to vote.

This article was originally published in the October/November 2020 issue.

This article was originally published in the October/November 2020 issue.

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Activities (2)
Skills Activities
Quizzes (1)
Answer Key (1)
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Activities (2) Download All Activities
Skills Activities
Quizzes (1)
Answer Key (1)

More About the Story

Complexity Factors

Purpose

The debate presents arguments for and against allowing kids to vote in government elections.  

Structure

The text consists of two letters: one from a kid to his mayor in support of allowing kids to vote, and one from the mayor explaining why kids can’t vote and suggesting other ways to make a difference.

Language

The language is conversational but includes the word encourage, which might be challenging for younger readers.

Knowledge Demands 

A basic understanding of how government works will be helpful.

Step-by-Step Lesson Plan
Download the Lesson Plan

1. Preparing to Read

Have students preview the text features. Ask:

  • What is the topic of the debate? (Prompt students to use the debate title and the heading on the chart as clues.)
  • What do you think are the two sides of the issue?

2. Reading the Debate 

Read the debate as a class or in small groups.  A lower-Lexile version is available on Storyworks Digital. 

Have students read the debate a second time. Prompt them to mark the types of support the author presents to back up each side, including:

  • Facts and statistics (F/S)
  • Quotes from experts (Q)
  • Stories or examples (EX)

3. Discussing

As a class or in groups, have students discuss:

  • Which evidence is most effective in supporting each side?
  • Is one side stronger than the other? Why?
  • What is your opinion? What evidence do you find the most convincing?
  • For more-advanced students: Do you think the author has a preferred point of view on this issue? What is your evidence?

4. Writing

Have students complete the chart in the magazine.

Distribute the activity “Write an Opinion Essay” (available in your Resources tab). The lower-level version guides students to write a three-paragraph essay on the debate topic. The higher-level version prompts them to bring in additional evidence and write six paragraphs, including a rebuttal of the other side. With either version, hand out our Opinion Writing Toolkit, which offers writing tips and transition words.

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