The election is coming up in a matter of months (it will be here before you know it) and I realised: gosh darnit, I'm not going to get to vote this year.
So, here's the question: do you think that the right to vote should be limited to certain aged individuals? Should the age limit be raised? Lowered?
I agree with 18. I can't tell you how many of my friends don't know a single thing about politics, or would be greatly influenced to vote for stupid reasons.
As far as I've seen most kids my age don't know politics. And they are very easily influenced. Unless, there's something that says otherwise I don't really think it would be a good idea. Is rather wait they're older and take the time to learn who they're voting for and why.
I do agree, to some extent. I think the voting age needs to stay put. However, I have been paying close attention to politics in the past two elections and could tell you what each canidate stood for and all that mess. That does not nessasarily mean that I should be eligible to vote, but it is the point that just because one is younger than eighteen, does not mean he is not wise in the political realm.
but it is the point that just because one is younger than eighteen, does not mean he is not wise in the political realm.
Oh yeah I definitely agree. There are many kids who know a lot about politics. But I don't think that there are enough that it would actually be worth it to allow them to vote.
I don't see the voting age being any lower than 18, simply because age 18 in the United States is your coming of age, where you're actually able to make full legal contracts, serve in the military, go to prison for standard cases, serve on a jury, chew plants in a shoe polish tin, the works. Anything lower than age 18, children have no federal responsibilities, thus no federal privileges in return*
*I could be missing something insignificant to my argument, but my point here is that 18 is the established Adult age in the United States, so I don't see how lowering the voting age would be lawfully applicable.
I just feel that after school ends, you get more exposure to the world. So after turning 18, they'd probably have gotten some exposure whether they wanted it or not.
I feel that it should not be an age requirement, but an I.Q. test to prove your eligibility. But problem is is that that exact test would also make 90% of the candidates running in the U.S. elections uneligiable to vote.
I just feel that after school ends, you get more exposure to the world. So after turning 18, they'd probably have gotten some exposure whether they wanted it or not.
This. You get a taste of REAL work, REAL learning, or REAL living on your own.
Also given it's general establishment as the "adult age" in America.
Trust me, when I was under 18 I thought that I should be allowed to vote too. I paid attention to politics and had firm beliefs. But they've all changed since. It's not easy to explain..
I think that the entire US voting system needs to be revised. Why should I, a guy under 18 who is nearly fluent in American politics, not be allowed to vote when some 30 year old doing nothing but watching political ads all day is? If you are below 18, you should be administrated a test, to see if you've been paying careful attention to the issues. The test would be extremely difficult in order to minimize those who did not actually pay attention.
IQ tests say nothing. you can get easly a high IQ whit just learning the type of questions they ask.
I don't see the voting age being any lower than 18, simply because age 18 in the United States is your coming of age, where you're actually able to make full legal contracts, serve in the military, go to prison for standard cases, serve on a jury, chew plants in a shoe polish tin, the works. Anything lower than age 18, children have no federal responsibilities, thus no federal privileges in return*
I think that the entire US voting system needs to be revised. Why should I, a guy under 18 who is nearly fluent in American politics, not be allowed to vote when some 30 year old doing nothing but watching political ads all day is? If you are below 18, you should be administrated a test, to see if you've been paying careful attention to the issues. The test would be extremely difficult in order to minimize those who did not actually pay attention.
I don't see how a test would have any questions that would be applicable. Voting is based on opinion not fact. If I don't know what the issues are, what harm am I doing by voting for a person that I trust? Sure, my trust might be misplaced but so can the person who votes based on the issues. They're putting trust in that person to follow through with what they said on those issues. It always comes down to trust and you can't figure out trust based on a test.
I agree with the voting age, kids are more easily influenced than an adult. Obviously, 18 is just an estimation of adulthood but its the best we have.
