My new podcast series explores the value of lowering the voting age as a way to encourage youth civic engagement and tells the stories of people leading the Vote 16 movement in the United States.
I think it is a great idea, Anya. I especially like the part about limiting it to local elections. I'm an Old Boomer now, but I remember fighting to get the voting age lowered to 18. We felt that if we could be drafted and have our lives put in danger, we should have a say in the matter. While the draft is long gone (hopefully forever) the responsibilities that come with turning 18 and becoming legally adult are still more challenging than those we encounter at 16.
Yet, the challenges we face at 16 are very real as you well know. The ability to have your voices heard (and listened to) at the local level will not only improve your community but help to prepare you for the responsibilities to come as well. I know it probably sounds trite in these complicated times, but I have always remembered a phrase my great grandmother taught me about voting: "Many voices make better choices."
I think it is a great idea, Anya. I especially like the part about limiting it to local elections. I'm an Old Boomer now, but I remember fighting to get the voting age lowered to 18. We felt that if we could be drafted and have our lives put in danger, we should have a say in the matter. While the draft is long gone (hopefully forever) the responsibilities that come with turning 18 and becoming legally adult are still more challenging than those we encounter at 16.
Yet, the challenges we face at 16 are very real as you well know. The ability to have your voices heard (and listened to) at the local level will not only improve your community but help to prepare you for the responsibilities to come as well. I know it probably sounds trite in these complicated times, but I have always remembered a phrase my great grandmother taught me about voting: "Many voices make better choices."
Pete