Vote For President At 16yo

[joan1984]

This idea has been in 'The News' lately.
Saw this and thought many here would enjoy:
https://news.grabien.com/story-young-americans-hilariously-explain-why-lowering-voting-age

[psiberzerker]

I don't have a problem with it.  16 is old enough to drive in most states, and as many people are killed by automobiles as firearms.  Enlistment might be a different matter, because there's problems with physical maturity (Most kids should be done with puberty by then, but not all) and the Physical demands of serving, but those aren't concerns for Voting.

About the only potential problem I see is the current state of schools, and a Conservative Bias in a lot of them.  (Waving from Texas,) so it may possibly be an end-run around the college age Milennial generation, which is largely Liberal.  Also, keep in mind that the next major election is also a little over a year from now.  So, some of those potential voters are 15, not 16.  We have to weigh how it may affect the 2020 elections.

Also, it says "Vote for President" in the title, but as with every federal election, majority in the Senate is also at stake.  Don't forget congress.

[joan1984]

  Forget 2020, thinking enough time to get the legislation or whatever may be necessary, State by State, or by Federal fiat, kids now 12 yo will be 16 in time to vote for President Pence in 2024... or other qualified folk who bother to run for the office, of course.

  Is it the right thing to do, to have 16 year old American Non-Felon Citizens be eligible to vote in National Election races, including Presidential Elections, and why? Or, why not?

  In how many languages, including American Sign Language, should ballots and voting be conducted, in every precinct, Nationwide? Take that as a second question, but primary is the first question.

  Lots of time for ALL Citizens to have obtained Government Issued Photo ID by November 2024, I believe we can all agree on that, so no problem there...

[psiberzerker]

Is it the right thing to do, to have 16 year old American Non-Felon Citizens be eligible to vote in National Election races, including Presidential Elections, and why? Or, why not?

I can't answer that question without taking into account the current political climate, and the current generation of 15 year olds.

In how many languages, including American Sign Language, should ballots and voting be conducted, in every precinct, Nationwide?

Deaf people can read.  Braille might be a good idea for the people who're visually impaired, but they can already vote by teletype.

[watcher1]

Many of those who are 18 and are eligible to vote in fact do not vote. Many voter registrations do get them to register to vote but when it comes election time many don't vote. I don't think lowering the voting age to 16 will help any political party unless some famous rock star or actor decides to run. But crazier things have happened in the world of politics.

[Athos_131]

I don't think lowering the voting age to 16 will help any political party unless some famous rock star or actor decides to run.

Donald Trump was a game show host.

#Resist

[psiberzerker]

Many of those who are 18 and are eligible to vote in fact do not vote. Many voter registrations do get them to register to vote but when it comes election time many don't vote.

Under normal conditions.  These are not normal conditions.  We cannot depend on voter apathy, when one side is the everpresent face of American media.  When was the last time you went all day without seeing that face?

Nobody gets away without an opinion of Trump.  He won't fucking allow it.  Social Media, this forum, and virtually every other.  Voter apathy is a thing of the past.