Should voting rights match a person’s legal responsibilities?
This post was written by a student. It has not been fact checked or edited.
I do not think voting rights should match legal responsibilities, as, to have a true democracy, everyone competent enough to vote should be permitted to vote.
16-17 year olds should be allowed to vote, as it is their future at stake. They don’t pay taxes, but are capable, enthusiastic, and bring progressive ideas.
There is a minor maturity gap between 16 and 18; those few million votes from younger people could change the world. Why are those passionate and mature enough prevented from participating? Some may argue that 16 year olds cannot make informed decisions, but by that logic, neither can 18 year olds. Political education doesn’t magically appear, it comes with experience, and by letting people vote from a younger age, we expose them to the political world earlier.
Children are seen as easily influenced, but the youth today, have access to the most information and free speech in political history. NYC has a younger population, and Mamdani has been elected as mayor. He is looking to make a real change, representing how important progressive ideas are in our progressing world. Think about all of the children communicating on this site. We can clearly think for ourselves, and formulate our own opinions. Why should we not be allowed to shape our future?
In South Africa, many people are unemployed due to the lack of jobs, and, as they don't earn, they don't pay taxes. Many people think, that because they do not contribute to the economy, they should not contribute to politics, but I disagree with this.
These people are vulnerable, and clearly struggling. If they are denied the vote, how can they make sure their rights are protected? Why should they be dehumanized and lose their rights because their government didn't provide them with the skill set nor job openings they need? They need to vote to protect themselves, because no one else will.
Others may argue that voters shape the country, and should only be allowed to do so if they contribute to society through tax. Some people think 16 year olds are ill-informed and immature, therefore should not be permitted to vote. My belief is that it is that democracy has to take all citizens beliefs into account, not just those who have legal responsibilities.
It is our future, and we deserve a voice, whether we pay taxes or not.
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