When most teenagers turn sixteen, they receive more privileges on what they can and cannot do. They mainly deal with curfews and driving, along with other privileges. They also receive limitations, like no drinking or no smoking. But now there may be something new to look forward to. An article, written by Anya Kamenetz in The New York Times, suggests that the voting age be dropped to sixteen.
“Sixteen year olds that want to start voting should be able to obtain an early voting permit from their high school upon passing a simple civics course similar to the citizen test.” It also says that having sixteen year olds vote would not only increase the voting registration, but reinforce voting as a duty and as a right “without imposing any across-the-board literacy test for those over eighteen.”
Having that “privilege” would make teenagers feel more mature and give them a sense of what it feels like to be an adult. OUR thoughts and OUR opinions would be factors in deciding who would be in control and catering to what needs to be done to make an effective change.
Some students became excited about the idea of voting at our age.
“I’d be happy” said Jane B. “We’d have more rights and I’d feel more mature.”
But some people don’t feel the same way as others.
“I don’t think the voting age should drop.” said Ms. Calandro, one of the school’s librarians. “I don’t think sixteen year olds are mature enough to make those decisions based on the platforms of the candidates. They would chose based on who they liked.”
Being able to vote would be nice because we'd be apart of the game instead of in the sidelines, waiting for out time to play, but we do need to question the fact that we might not be ready for that responsibility yet.
Are our maturity levels ready to make those REAL decisions based on the hard facts instead of just basing them on personal preferences and prejudices? Can we look at the important things without having ourselves in mind and put what's best for everyone else first?
Either way, the idea of changing the voting age is a subject to think about. As of now though, we just have to wait until the option opens up.
8 comments:
Strong lead. Its interesting and catches the readers attention.
The article was good. But I would not like it if the voting age droped because I do not believe their mature enough to vote. Most 16 year olds have other things on their mind.
i love the article and I agree with it. It's something that most students can relate to because some do want to vote. Your article motivates me to want to read.
good issue. spelling errors...try to avoid "when asked"...include student name in quotes. catchy title
this was a very interesting article in the newspaper and you really made it your own. Good job and im like the picture,very nice.
I agree that its great to speak for yourself but being mature,how far will they go being granted such privilige.
I like your article. The lead was good and I like the fact that you asked students at Jamaica about how they feel about the new voting age.Overall good
Naye, smart topic, great picture, interesting piece. You drew some smart comments already. Here are my thoughts...
I agree with Zora on the "when asked" section.
Who did you quote? Names are always valuable.
*in behalf = on behalf
keep it up!
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