"Our nation desperately needs a fresh new generation of voters," said Jesse Baer, 16. "Letting youth vote would get us in the habit of voting."

Students said the extension of voting would also make high school government and history classes more interesting by allowing teachers to discuss local politics with students.

The council should not be concerned about the maturity level of high school students because they have other responsibilities as important as voting, teens added.

"We're old enough to drive cars, have consensual sex, get married without parental consent, make wages and pay taxes," said 14-year-old Jonathan Bruderlein. "Why not vote?"

Councillors did not vote on the proposal last night. If the measure does receive the council's support, however, it would go to the state legislature for approval.

Youths said their effort to lower the voting age was inspired by a local non-profit. Janice Lee of the Boston Area Youth Organizing Project helped to advise the student group.