It's unfortunate that that horrendous historical abuse of a fundamentally sound idea has poisoned the well.
This is driven by ageism.
Obviously racism was historically much more abusive. But both are still discrimination.
I've met several 2-year-olds. Dumb like a rock.
But should 12-year-olds be allowed to vote? I don't see a reason not to besides history. In the U.S. during Vietnam the minimum age was lowered from 21 to 18. Why not younger?
Is there a study or some data backing this up? Or just a stereotype?