Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office The last time that the voting age was lowered was when it went from 21 to 18 in 1971. By Forum Staff Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-Flushing) on Thursday announced that has she reintroduced legislation in the House of Representatives to lower the voting age in America to 16 years old. Meng’s measure seeks to replace the 26th amendment to the Constitution with a new amendment that would allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote. “Our young people, including 16- and 17-year-olds, continue to fight and advocate for so many issues that they are passionate about from gun safety to the climate crisis,” Meng said. “They have been tremendously engaged on policies affecting their lives and their futures. Their activism, determination, and efforts to demand change are inspirational and have truly impacted our nation. It’s time to give them a voice in our democracy by permitting them to be heard at the ballot box. 16- and 17-year-olds are legally permitted to work and drive. They also pay federal income taxes. I believe that it is right and fair to also allow them to vote. Let’s let them be heard and make their voices count. Let’s give them a say in choosing who they want their government representatives to be. I’m proud to stand with our young people in introducing this legislation, and I urge my colleagues in the House to support it.”