Lowering the Voting Age
Submitted by njensen on Thu, 05/22/2008 - 15:46.
Last updated on Tue, 11/25/2008 - 17:47.
Vital Stats
See It
The problem that I am trying to combat is voter apathy and injustice. If we can bring young people into the system earlier, while they are more likely to get involved, they might have civic responsibility instilled in them for life. Since this would affect young perople still in high school, it would be easier to educate voters about the issues and make a more informed electorate. The injustice that this movement combats is that in many states, young people as young as 14 years old can be tried as adults in court but can not vote. Another injustice is that 17 year olds can enlist in the military, but have no say in who their commander in chief is. These injustices will be alleviated a bit when young people are given the right and responsibility that they deserve.
Believe It
The organization will work to address the problem by influencing public opinion and eventually bringing politicians on board to effect the policies.
Build It
1. The first step is starting a website centered around spreading information and awareness about issues surrounding young voters and issues that affect 16-17 year olds. The website will have compilations of research and an online petition to lower the voting age.
2. After a certain amount of signatures/awareness around the issue, we will file the necessary documents to become a non-profit organization.
3. From there, the organization will lead efforts to pass a Constitutional Amendment to lower the voting age. There will be local and statewide efforts to lower voting ages, reduce restrictions to voting, and improve civic education efforts.
The impact that this will make is engaging an age group and entire generation early to make them life-long voters.
How Can Others Get Involved?
Others can help by volunteering their time and talents in their local communities and spreading awareness among their peers.
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I think it's a good idea and it might work, and if it doesn't work at first, wait until there's a new president then try it again, maybe they will support your idea.
voter apathy is definately a huge problem in this country, and I think you have an interesting solution. There are a lot of people who feel the same way you do, but a lot of people also think that youth are too apathetic now, and so thats a reason not to lower the voting age. I think that its important to remember that voter apathy is not a youth-based concept... and maybe you should work to help efforts to make sure as many young voters as possible get out this year, to prove your point how young people can be involved and civically responsible too!
i agree with aashton. something that i think is really cool is when high schools get students registered to vote. maybe if you make political involvement more accessible to this age group, they will be more likely to take a stand? it seems like the longer people go without caring the less they are likely to care, you know? we could really set a precedent for the generations to come!
I completely agree with what you're trying to do. Kids have a right to voice their opinion too, it's not like the president doesn't affect them! Thanks for trying to give them a voice!
This is a great idea. I am with you 110%. People state that the future lies in the hnads of young peole, what better way than lowering the voting age. I also this peole should have to take a 25 question test before voting. People who do not know important people and facts about politics and the United States of America should not vote on account of they dont inform themselves about whats going on.
This is so true. I think what you're doing is great. Many should partake and helping you improve our future. This decision should not only lie in the hands of adults, children too.
GREAT CAUSE!
There is a great way for people of any age to get involved in the political process, write your Congressperson.
The purpose of my site Apathy is Deadly (apathyisdeadly.com) is to do just that.