Neuroscientist Endorses Vote at 16 Based on Cognitive Readiness

Neuroscientist Sarah‑Jayne Blakemore argues that 16‑year‑olds possess the cognitive skills required for mature voting decisions, including abstract reasoning and deliberate judgment, based on neuroscience and political research.

She highlights that nations such as Austria and Scotland, which allow voting at 16, report high turnout and early civic habits among young people, and asserts that voting rights should reflect evolving scientific understanding rather than age‑based stereotypes.