Power to them. Kids and teens are part of our communities, they’re affected by decisions, so they should have a role in making them when practical. I absolutely trust a 16 year old to vote, and make decent community-minded decisions - most already do so and contribute a lot, just without the same rights as slightly older people. I think this is a step in the right direction.
Especially since kids who are working are paying taxes. Not that that should be the singular standard that determines voting rights or anything. But it is common for kids to start working at 16. Sometimes even earlier; I think in my state you can start working as early as 14, even in non-farm jobs, but it’s super restricted. So not a lot of employers hire under-16yo.
Like in the other way, we let 18yos vote and we know they’re basically still kids. What is it now; our brains our still developing into our mid-20s, possibly even further?
I will say, I don’t trust 16yos (or 18yos) with much. But I would feel comfortable with them voting on local and school board issues. Because it directly effects them and they should have a say. We trust them driving independently, for better or worse. We trust them to work, often with money and other goods. Why shouldn’t we trust them to vote on these issues?
On top of that, in a couple of years after they start working and driving, we (as a country) start trusting them to enter wars. That’s a whole other can of worms, but if we already say “in a couple of years, these 16-year-olds can join the military,” then why not allow them to vote at 16 versus 18 when it’s only a 2-year difference?
Absolutely. Teens have responsibilities! They participate. And it’s true, at 18 i was much less responsible than I am now (or than i was at 16). I am sure it depends on the person, and lots of people of all ages make iffy choices. But yeah, school board and local issues directly pertain to teens’ interests and lives, I don’t see why they wouldn’t take it seriously and try to do good with it, especially since we already rely on people that age for labor and as you said driver safety.
Because working with direct supervision is a far cry from making decisions that affect everyone.
I have a 16yo, bless her heart. No way is she ready to vote. I’d far rather not tax children than give them access to running anything connected to law.
Part of the reason 18yos are “ready” to vote is they ostensibly have a couple years of working under their belt. 16yo have no idea how disconnected from reality they really are. Give them a couple more years to operate under responsibilities, first.
Power to them. Kids and teens are part of our communities, they’re affected by decisions, so they should have a role in making them when practical. I absolutely trust a 16 year old to vote, and make decent community-minded decisions - most already do so and contribute a lot, just without the same rights as slightly older people. I think this is a step in the right direction.
Especially since kids who are working are paying taxes. Not that that should be the singular standard that determines voting rights or anything. But it is common for kids to start working at 16. Sometimes even earlier; I think in my state you can start working as early as 14, even in non-farm jobs, but it’s super restricted. So not a lot of employers hire under-16yo.
Like in the other way, we let 18yos vote and we know they’re basically still kids. What is it now; our brains our still developing into our mid-20s, possibly even further?
I will say, I don’t trust 16yos (or 18yos) with much. But I would feel comfortable with them voting on local and school board issues. Because it directly effects them and they should have a say. We trust them driving independently, for better or worse. We trust them to work, often with money and other goods. Why shouldn’t we trust them to vote on these issues?
On top of that, in a couple of years after they start working and driving, we (as a country) start trusting them to enter wars. That’s a whole other can of worms, but if we already say “in a couple of years, these 16-year-olds can join the military,” then why not allow them to vote at 16 versus 18 when it’s only a 2-year difference?
Why not 14? It’s only a two year difference.
Those two years make a HUGE difference in cognitive ability.
https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/Pages/conditions.aspx.
Absolutely. Teens have responsibilities! They participate. And it’s true, at 18 i was much less responsible than I am now (or than i was at 16). I am sure it depends on the person, and lots of people of all ages make iffy choices. But yeah, school board and local issues directly pertain to teens’ interests and lives, I don’t see why they wouldn’t take it seriously and try to do good with it, especially since we already rely on people that age for labor and as you said driver safety.
Because working with direct supervision is a far cry from making decisions that affect everyone.
I have a 16yo, bless her heart. No way is she ready to vote. I’d far rather not tax children than give them access to running anything connected to law.
Part of the reason 18yos are “ready” to vote is they ostensibly have a couple years of working under their belt. 16yo have no idea how disconnected from reality they really are. Give them a couple more years to operate under responsibilities, first.
You must know different set of 16 year olds then I do.