How old were you when you first felt truly aware of the world around you—the politics, the issues, the community decisions? In many cases by 16, you’re already involved in so many decisions about your future. You might be driving, working a part-time job, and navigating big questions about career paths and life goals. But should 16-year-olds also have the power to vote, helping shape the policies that will impact their futures?

Welcome to your Dinner Table Debates Daily Deep Dive, where we explore real topics from our decks and give you everything you need to debate, in under 10 minutes. Today’s topic is “The voting age should be lowered to 16,” and it’s from our Full-Size Essentials Collection deck. Let’s dig in!

The debate over the voting age has been going on for decades. In the U.S., the voting age was lowered from 21 to 18 in 1971, largely due to the Vietnam War. The idea was that if 18-year-olds were old enough to be drafted, they should be old enough to vote on the policies that might send them to war. Now, the conversation has shifted to lowering the age further, with advocates arguing that 16-year-olds are more informed and capable than ever before.

In recent years, countries like Austria and Scotland have lowered the voting age to 16 for certain elections, allowing younger people to have a say in decisions impacting them. And here in the U.S., some cities, like Takoma Park, Maryland, have extended voting rights to 16-year-olds in local elections.

This topic is essential today because young people have become more politically engaged than ever before. They’re often at the center of conversations about climate change, gun control, and education reform—issues that will profoundly shape their future. The question of whether they should have a direct say in these matters by voting is relevant not only to teenagers but to society as a whole, as it could redefine the role of youth in our democracy.

Now, let’s debate.

Agree – The voting age should be lowered to 16

16-year-olds are informed and mature enough. At 16, teens often make decisions that carry significant responsibility—like getting a driver’s license, holding part-time jobs, and sometimes even paying taxes. They’re also exposed to more information through technology, making them more aware of social and political issues. Studies show that many teenagers keep up with current events and actively participate in community activities, which shows they can be responsible voters.

Encouraging lifelong civic engagement. When people start voting early, they’re more likely to continue voting throughout their lives. By allowing 16-year-olds to vote, we’re creating good habits of civic engagement early, potentially leading to a more active and engaged electorate. Research from the U.K. shows that voters who start at a young age are more likely to stay politically engaged.

Youth voices on critical issues. Young people are disproportionately affected by policy decisions on education, climate change, and the economy. Given that these decisions impact their lives significantly, it makes sense to include their perspectives. In recent years, youth-led movements like the March for Our Lives and the Global Climate Strike have demonstrated that young people can advocate effectively on serious issues.

Disagree – The voting age should not be lowered to 16

16-year-olds lack the life experience and maturity. 16-year-olds, while informed, haven’t lived long enough to fully understand the impact of complex policies. Voting requires not just knowledge but a level of maturity that comes with life experience. In the U.S., 16-year-olds can’t yet buy alcohol, vote in federal elections, or be drafted, suggesting that society already considers them too young for certain responsibilities.

Potential for influence from parents or schools. Younger voters may be more easily influenced by their parents, teachers, or peer groups, w...

In 2019, Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro faced global criticism for allowing increased deforestation in the Amazon rainforest to boost economic development. Meanwhile, China's rapid industrialization over the past few decades has lifted millions out of poverty but at a severe environmental cost. These real-world scenarios highlight a crucial dilemma facing many developing nations: Should their right to economic growth take precedence over environmental protection?

Welcome to your Dinner Table Debates Daily Deep Dive where we explore real topics from our decks and give you everything you need to debate, in under 10 minutes. Today's topic is "A lesser developed nation's right to develop ought to take priority over its obligation to protect the environment" and comes from the Global category in our Full Size Essentials Collection deck. Let's Dig In.

This debate has roots in the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, where the concept of "common but differentiated responsibilities" was introduced. This principle acknowledges that all nations have a responsibility to address global environmental issues, but developed countries should bear a greater burden due to their historical contributions to problems like climate change.

Today, according to the World Bank, about 84% of the world's population lives in developing countries. These nations often face the dual challenge of improving living standards for their citizens while also addressing environmental concerns. The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, adopted in 2015, aim to balance economic, social, and environmental sustainability.

It's crucial to discuss this because the decisions made by developing nations about their growth strategies have global implications. The International Energy Agency reports that developing countries are expected to account for the majority of growth in energy demand and carbon emissions in the coming decades.

Now, let's debate!

Agree (Development should take priority):

1. Economic development is crucial for improving quality of life. China's rapid industrialization, despite its environmental costs, has lifted over 800 million people out of poverty since 1978, according to the World Bank.

2. Developed nations industrialized without environmental restrictions, so it's unfair to impose them on developing countries now. The United States, for example, was the world's largest carbon emitter for much of the 20th century as it industrialized.

3. Once a certain level of development is reached, countries can better afford to invest in environmental protection. The "Environmental Kuznets Curve" theory suggests that as per capita income increases, emission levels first rise but then fall as societies can afford cleaner technologies.

Disagree (Environmental protection should take priority):

1. Environmental damage can have severe long-term consequences that outweigh short-term economic gains. The Aral Sea in Central Asia, once the world's fourth-largest lake, has nearly disappeared due to Soviet-era irrigation projects, devastating local economies and ecosystems.

2. Climate change disproportionately affects developing nations. The World Bank estimates that climate change could push an additional 100 million people into poverty by 2030, primarily in developing countries.

3. Sustainable development is possible and often more beneficial in the long run. Costa Rica, for example, has achieved growth in its citizen’s development while preserving 25% of its land as protected areas and generating 99% of its electricity from renewable sources in 2021.

Now, let's explore some rebuttals.

For the first "Agree" point about economic development improving quality of life, a rebuttal might go: While economic growth can improve living standards, it doesn't necessarily lead to better quality of life if it comes at the cost of severe environmental degradation. In China, for instance, air poll...

You work for a large corporation and discover that they've been hiding dangerous safety issues in one of their products. You're living paycheck to paycheck, and if you blow the whistle, you could lose your job which would mean you couldn’t afford to support yourself anymore. But if you do stay quiet, innocent people could get hurt—or worse. Do you risk everything to expose the truth, or do you keep the secret to protect your livelihood? Secrets can be powerful, and the decision to keep or reveal them can come with serious consequences.

"Welcome to your Dinner Table Debates Daily Deep Dive, where we explore real topics from our decks and give you everything you need to debate, in under 10 minutes. Today's topic is 'It is ok to keep secrets' and it comes from the Philosophy Category in our Full Size Essentials Collection deck. Let's dig in."

Philosophers throughout history have grappled with the morality of secrecy. Aristotle emphasized the virtue of honesty but also recognized the value of discretion, hinting that not all truths must be shared. Sissela Bok, in her work Secrets: On the Ethics of Concealment and Revelation, argued that secrecy can be both necessary and harmful, depending on its use. She emphasized that while secrets can protect privacy, they can also be a source of manipulation and deception.

Meanwhile, philosopher Michel Foucault examined how power dynamics are often tied to secrecy. He suggested that those in control frequently conceal information to maintain power, and that secrecy can be a tool of oppression. On the other side, Confucius highlighted the importance of discretion in personal relationships, advising that not all truths are meant to be shared and that maintaining harmony sometimes means keeping things to oneself.

Even historical figures like Benjamin Franklin weighed in, famously stating, "Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead," emphasizing the inherent difficulty and risks in keeping secrets over time. The decision to withhold or disclose information has always been a balancing act between protecting individuals and upholding moral responsibility.

Secrets are a part of our daily lives, from personal confessions to confidential information at work. They can protect people, maintain relationships, or sometimes lead to deceit and harm. Understanding when it's okay to keep secrets affects our relationships, our work environments, and even our societal structures. This topic matters because it touches on trust, morality, and our sense of responsibility to ourselves and others.