[HoustonCurmudgeon]

I paid my first income tax at 15. At 16 I was head of a Young Republican Club and new every elected official in my area. I knew far more than most adults about what was going on in politics.

That said, hell no they should not vote. I suggest 30 as a better age, then again I think you should have a 120 IQ, own property, be a vet and have a college degree to vote!!

[becounted]

Good for you on your early participation in the political process.

I personally don't believe an age, any age, should qualify a person to vote.

In the colonial tradition, and that of our fledgling states, we can do better. What is missing from our present day society is not the right to vote, but ongoing participation in government. The lack of participation at the local level is the primary reason the federal has gained control over every aspect of our lives.

The right to vote should be earned by attending at least 25% of local government meetings. These could be the weekly town hall meetings, city hall meetings, or county board of supervisor meetings.

Neither age, nationality, gender, IQ, property ownership, military service, bearing arms, education, business, religious denomination, nor social status bound our forefathers together. PARTICIPATION BOUND THEM!. And not just participation, but participation at the local level. Without local participation a vacuum exists and tyranny fills that void.

Simply voting is not enough to bring, or assure freedom. Voting should be reserved to those that are informed in local government affairs, and participate in such affairs. Even our elected officials in state and federal office should come home for such participation.