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Photo From: Joe Reynolds - Album: Pines People

Description: We The People
By Tyler Smith, Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School

How old must a person be to vote responsibly? Can an eighteen-year-old be informed enough to make decisions regarding government leaders? The original constitution established the voting age at twenty-one years old. The early framers considered that the age of twenty-one was appropriate because by that time a male person would have a sufficient job and possibly own property.

Why did the thinking change? In 1970, Congress passed the twenty-sixth amendment which allowed eighteen-year-olds to vote in a state and federal election. Eighteen-year-olds were drafted into the military. Therefore, young men protested that they should also be able to vote.
This amendment is important to me because I am concerned about the leadership of the United States, and I want the country that I live in to be guided by someone who I can trust and who is responsible and trustworthy. As a result, I am encouraged to study about government and be informed of the current events. Neil Armstrong once said, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” On the one hand, one vote will not change much. On the other hand, if I talk to and involve other young people to also vote, then change might happen.

The fact is today eighteen is regarded as the age of adulthood for many things. A person must be eighteen to visit a casino, participate in contests, and make major purchases. They can also join the military at eighteen. What is more important than having the country I live in influenced by honest politicians? While this is important for me, my peers benefit as well.

Today we also have social media that can easily be used to influence opinions. When the constitution was originally written, social media did not exist. Today, I can use social media for a good cause. I can use it to convince young people to learn about politics and vote responsibly. In high school, there needs to be more classes about government structures, political issues and the understanding of the political issues. These types of high school civic classes will allow students the opportunity to research the pros and cons of the political issues allowing students to be better informed and more confident when taking a stance to vote. I am learning that with social media, you have to be careful with what you read. If the resources are available to the educators to offer these types of high school classes, then this generation can use the social media platforms to help motivate and encourage other high school students to learn and become better voters. Many students have turned eighteen before they even graduate from high school. If these students take government and civic classes in high school, they are better prepared regarding their decisions to vote.

The future is going to bring many new programs for younger people to participate in new ideas. You never know what the future is going to bring, so young people need to decide whether these ideas are beneficial or harmful.

Consequently, raising the voting age to eighteen has resulted in young people learning more about government. It has caused young people to talk about politics and government to each other. If eighteen-year-olds could not vote, would they involve themselves in government? I think probably not. Having the right to vote makes young people feel that they are needed. I want to be needed by my family, friends, and country. I also want to be able to vote for leaders that are responsible and make good decisions for my country. The right to vote also enables young people to consider what is good and what is bad for the country. The addition of the twenty-sixth amendment allowing eighteen-year-olds to vote has improved the lives of all citizens.

Uploaded: 4/10/2025 by Joe Reynolds

Camera/Image Info
Camera - Model - COOLPIX L820
F-Stop - f/3
Shutter - 1/30 sec