WHY THE VOTING AGE SHOULD STAY PUT

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The age that which an individual is eligible to vote is a really controversial topic. I personally believe the voting age should stay at 18, and not go lower.

With the May 19 Oregon election coming up next week, I recently voted for the first time, and it gave me a really interesting and unique perspective for me that I had never experienced.

Growing up, I didn’t really know that much about government policies and for me, it wasn’t until my junior year of high school that I started learning about politics and beliefs in government class. Even at 19, it’s hard for me to believe that I’m at the age that can make a great impact in today’s society by voting.

I don’t think an individual under 18 should be able to vote, because the brain is still developing at this age, and many things are still being learned.

That’s a problem also because voting can make a huge difference in the lives of others. For those under 18 years – still legally a minor – this might be too young of an age to shoulder this responsibility. There already are many responsibilities in the lives of teens as they grow up, and voting might pose a sizable challenge for them if they’re given this significant responsibility.

According to the New Jersey State Bar Foundation, “Advocates for lowering the voting age also emphasize that at 16, young people are already given many adult responsibilities, such as driving and paying taxes on their wages.” (https://njsbf.org/2020/01/16/should-the-voting-age-be-lowered-again/)

Although teens can handle many things, adding the ability to vote could possibly be a little too much at this age, on top of school and other activities.

Understanding public policies and proposed measures are important parts of voting. For me, using the nonpartisan voter’s pamphlet and reading about the different factors of a candidate (such as their policies and beliefs and what their stated mission is, if elected) is key, as well as learning about the pros and cons of a certain ballot measure.

I can say that my senior year of high school and the transition to college was a significant change in my life. I felt like I was going through a big transition – and I definitely felt like voting now is also a big step and change in my life.

It’s an important change that individuals should really be ready for.

11 Comments

  1. look at this dude named holt looking at this comment

  2. Pog champ decider October 5, 2021 at 7:11 am

    Pog champ no u

  3. it should be 16 also play minecraft and you will be pog

  4. The Voting Age should be lowered to 12. I made a YouTube video called “Evolve the Vote to 12” years ago.
    Colonialism & Adultisim are the core Demons that Oppress all of us from womb to tomb. 2020 does not have to continue that evil legacy of normalized Child to Adult Abuse!

  5. I agree that those under 18 are not quite ready to vote. Now if all the 18 – 24 year-olds would just exercise their right to vote, the US would be a better place,

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