should kids get to vote?

aol news ^ | Sept. 17 2003 | Geraldine Sealey

[Wolfie]

Heck, since just about everything our government nannies do is "for the children" in one way or another, we might as well let the little darlings vote on it.

[TheBigB]

the maturity and reasoning ability are not present

Is there some magical ceremony that occurs at age 17 years and 364 days that bestows this maturity?

And I'm not trying to insult...I'm just playing devil's advocate.

[TheBigB]

I think voters should be paying taxes and supporting themselves before making decisions that affect all of us.

Anyone working legally, even part-time at age 16 or 17, has taxes taken out of his/her paycheck. And there are plenty of 18 to 22-year olds living at home and/or still schooling and dependent on parents. Should they not vote?

[MegaSilver]

So if an 18-year-old can vote, why not a 17-year-old? I'm not sure of my actual feeling on the topic, as I haven't thought about it much. But it seems like that would be a logical argument.

Sorry, but I don't think it's a logical argument. If 17-year-olds can vote, then why not 16-year-olds? And then why not 15? 14?

You have to make a cutoff SOMEwhere. My personal opinion is that 18 is a reasonable one. Perhaps there are a few people under 18 who are ready to vote, and perhaps there are also a few people over 18 who aren't. On the whole, however, 18 is a good, solid cutoff.

[TheBigB]

Sorry, but I don't think it's a logical argument. If 17-year-olds can vote, then why not 16-year-olds? And then why not 15? 14?

Okay, sure. But that's my point...and the reasoning was used to pass the legislation giving 18-year-olds the right to vote in the first place. If 21-year-olds can, why not 20? or 19? Or 18? 18 is generall seen as the arbitrary cutoff because that's the age most graduate high school and move on to college, where you're more-or-less "independent" for the first time. Which is fine...I mean, I agree that some cutoff should be used, but I think the whole "maturity" thing is off-base. There's no evidence that your average 18 year old is more mature that one who is 17 1/2 or 17 and 364 days or whatever.

[Bigg Red]

If an 18-year-old is considered an adult in other area, why not let them vote and drink? Just don't call them "teenagers" when they commit a crime. I really think that we underestimate our young people and their capabilities today. Our treatment of them extends their childhood.

BTW, I am very conservative.

[Bigg Red]

area = areas

[Trailerpark Badass]

If they can't use the punch card ballot, they should not vote!!

And what's with ballots, anyway? Just give the voters a slip of paper and a golf pencil. Gotta wonder about people who wouldn't know who to vote for unless it's printed on a sheet in front of them. If someone can't remember who they're voting for, and spell the name correctly, he has no business voting.

[eyespysomething]

no. I barely think women, other than myself, should vote.

Of course, I'm not talking about the intelligent women here on FR.

[Ramius]

and should not be subject to taxation without representation, an American battle cry dating back to Boston Tea Party days.

I got news for ya, kids... Taxation *with* representation ain't all that great either.

[eyespysomething]

[mhking]

Her big accomplishment? Turning 18 last Saturday.

She can already vote! Plus most kids are ignorant in the affairs of the world. Tell 'er to STFU....

Just damn.

If you want on the new list, FReepmail me. This IS a high-volume PING list...

[Kuksool]

If the voting age is lowered, the NEA will gladly educate the children on who to vote for.

[King Prout]

good God, no!

Restrict the franchise to those who have supported themselves by the sweat of their own brows for a minimum of five consecutive years.

[bedolido]

this is really really really coool!!!! It SOOOOOO should be the way it is....

[goodseedhomeschool (returned)]

I agree Mark

[goodseedhomeschool (returned)]

If the voting age is lowered, the NEA will gladly educate the children on who to vote for.


They would love that, (snicker)

[King Prout]

exactly what is Elmo (?) offering to the sheep to suckle??? And what is the blue guy doing... nevermind. the longer I look at this, the more obscene it appears.

[Consort]

Too many kids vote already.

[varon]

should kids get to vote?

Yes, on American Idol. Vote early and vote often :-)